What is an Orvis Endorsed Outfitter?

An Orvis Endorsed Outfitter is a guide service or lodge that has been independently vetted and approved by Orvis to meet their highest standards for expertise, customer service, and conservation practices. The endorsement is not purchased — it is earned through a rigorous evaluation process and maintained through ongoing performance.

For those passionate about fly fishing, the name Orvis is synonymous with quality, tradition, and a deep commitment to the outdoors. Their Endorsed program extends that reputation to the guides and outfitters they trust enough to put their name behind. If you’re planning a guided fly fishing trip and trying to decide who to book with, the Orvis seal of approval is one of the most reliable signals in the industry.

Here are three reasons why an Orvis Endorsed guide, lodge, or outfitter should be your first call.

Three Reasons to Choose an Orvis Endorsed Outfitter

1. Expertise and Knowledge

Orvis Endorsed guides and outfitters go through a serious vetting process before the endorsement is granted. Orvis evaluates each operation’s knowledge of fly fishing techniques, teaching ability, and capacity to deliver an exceptional experience on the water. Booking with an endorsed partner means entrusting your trip to someone who is not only passionate about the sport but also highly skilled, experienced, and accountable to a third-party standard.

2. Commitment to Conservation and Sustainability

Orvis has built its reputation on conservation and environmental stewardship, and its endorsed outfitters live that commitment every day. These guides put sustainable fishing practices and healthy ecosystems at the center of every trip. When you book with an endorsed operation, you’re supporting a team that practices and promotes catch-and-release, protects fish during handling, and makes on-the-water decisions with the long-term health of the fishery in mind. Ultimately, choosing an endorsed outfitter means your trip directly supports the responsible use of our rivers — ensuring future generations enjoy the same experiences on the water.

3. Exceptional Customer Service and Comfort

Exceptional hospitality is a hallmark of every Orvis Endorsed operation. From the quality of the equipment to the professionalism of the guides, every aspect of your trip is carefully planned and executed. Endorsed outfitters go the extra mile to customize your experience — whether that means providing top-of-the-line Orvis equpment, offering personalized casting instruction, or simply making sure you’re comfortable and having fun on the water.

Living Water Guides & the Orvis Endorsement

Living Water Guides (Outfitter #53820) has proudly held the Orvis Endorsement on Montana’s Missouri River. For us, it’s not a marketing badge — it’s a daily standard. Every trip we run, every fish we handle, and every client we put on the water reflects the values that earned us that endorsement in the first place.

Head guide Jeff Lattig brings years of guiding experience on the Missouri, with deep knowledge of hatches, structure, and seasons. When you fish with us, you’re not just booking a guide — you’re booking into a system built around your success and the health of the fishery.

Wondering what separates a good guide from a great one? Check out our post: Good vs. Great Fly Fishing Guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if an outfitter is Orvis Endorsed? You can verify an outfitter’s endorsement directly on the Orvis website, which maintains a current directory of all endorsed operations. Look for the official Orvis Endorsed logo on the outfitter’s website as well.

What does Orvis look for in an endorsed outfitter? Orvis evaluates, teaching ability, customer service quality, conservation practices, and overall professionalism. The endorsement is not purchased — operations are vetted, and the standard must be maintained over time to keep it.

Is Living Water Guides an Orvis Endorsed Outfitter? Yes. Living Water Guides (Outfitter #53820) is an Orvis Endorsed operation on the Missouri River in Montana. Read our Story and what drives us. You can find us listed in the Orvis outfitter directory.

Does Orvis Endorsed mean I’ll get Orvis gear on my trip? Not necessarily — the endorsement is about service, expertise, and conservation standards, not gear requirements. That said, many endorsed outfitters including Living Water Guides do provide quality Orvis equipment.

Why does the Orvis endorsement matter when booking a guided trip? There are thousands of guide services across the country with no independent vetting or accountability. The Orvis endorsement gives you a reliable, third-party benchmark for quality — so you can book with confidence rather than guesswork.

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Book Your Trip with Confidence

When the Orvis seal is on the door, the standard is set before you even step in the boat. We’d love to put you on the Missouri River — browse our Missouri River Float Trips, Land of the Giants , Walk & Wade options, or read our story.