Catch It: A Beginner-Friendly Fly-Fishing Experience
Designed for new anglers, our Catch It package combines hands-on instruction with guided fishing days, giving you the skills and confidence to begin your fly-fishing journey. Whether you’re brand new to the sport or looking to strengthen your foundational skills, this immersive trip teaches the essentials while exploring Montana’s world-class waters.
Our instructors cover everything from knots and casting to reading water, handling fish safely, and practicing conservation-minded catch-and-release. Learning happens step by step—in the classroom, at our spring-fed pond, and on the river, with each day building on the last. Guided by our experienced Ruby River fly-fishing experts, you’ll gain local knowledge and insights found nowhere else. This package is ideal for beginners, families, or anyone seeking structured instruction, supportive guidance, and a memorable fishing experience in the Ruby Valley.
Trip Details
Price / Person
- $4,205 double occupancy
- $4,835 single occupancy
Length of Stay
- 4 Days / 5 Nights
Season
- Mid-May – September
Includes
- Lodging and Meals
- Rod/Reel Starter Kit
- Guided classroom and on-river instruction
- Opportunities to catch fish and practice your dry fly/nymphing skills
- Private property fish trip or upgrade to a float trip
- Option to explore Montana on a side by side or horseback
Fishing licenses, lodging taxes, and gratuity are not included; children under 12 receive 50% off lodging and meals.
The Experience
Learn Fly Fishing in Montana
Day 1
Foundations & Casting Basics
Your first day begins with classroom instruction and practice at UCO’s pond. Learn to assemble your rod and reel, tie essential knots, understand the basics of entomology, and practice key casting techniques including roll casts, forward casts, and steeple casts. By the end of the day, you’ll have a solid foundation and be ready to take your skills to moving water.
Day 2
Walk-Wade Instruction on the River
Take your newly acquired skills to the river with a guided walk-and-wade session on public water. Learn to read currents, mend your line, set the hook, and land your first trout. Your guide will focus on dry/dropper techniques, proper fish handling, and catch-and-release best practices, giving you the confidence to fish safely and effectively.
Day 3
Bigger Fish & Advanced Nymphing
Head to the tailwater sections of the Ruby River for an opportunity to catch larger trout and refine your nymphing skills. This day emphasizes reading water, presenting flies accurately, and improving technique, helping you tackle more challenging fishing situations while enjoying the beauty of Montana’s rivers.
Day 4
Private Water or Custom Adventure
Enjoy a guided day on private water, where you can focus on precision casting and landing trophy trout. Alternatively, upgrade to a float trip on the Madison River for a different river perspective, or take a break from fishing to explore Montana on horseback or side-by-side. This day is all about customizing your experience to your interests.
Day 5
Checkout or Extra Guided Fishing
Check out from UCO or extend your trip with an optional extra day of guided fishing. Whether you continue to fish or simply enjoy the Montana scenery, this is the perfect way to end your beginner fly fishing adventure.
The Rivers
The Ruby Valley region of Montana offers an exceptional variety of fisheries, ranging from small, technical tributaries to broad, iconic rivers. The Ruby River itself provides a full spectrum of fly-fishing experiences, from high-country dry-fly action targeting multiple trout species, including browns, rainbows, and even grayling, to productive tailwater sections known for strong, challenging fish.
Within easy reach of the ranch, anglers can explore the Beaverhead/Poindexter Slough, ideal for spring-creek-style wading, the Jefferson River, renowned for trophy brown trout, and the legendary Madison River, one of Montana’s premier blue-ribbon fisheries. These waters together create a diverse fishing experience where anglers can pursue numbers, size, technical challenges, and even the “Ruby Grand Slam.”
Whether you are an experienced fly angler seeking technical waters or a visitor looking for productive, scenic fishing, the Ruby Valley provides unmatched opportunities to enjoy Montana’s backcountry rivers. Full-day float trips, walk-and-wade adventures, and guided mountain stream excursions are all available with our experienced UCO guides, ensuring every angler has access to local knowledge, top fishing spots, and a safe, memorable day on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about experiences at our ranch.
What is the Catch It package at Upper Canyon Outfitters?
The Catch It package is a guided fly fishing experience in Montana designed for beginners and anglers who want to build strong foundational skills. It combines classroom instruction, pond practice, and guided river fishing to help guests gain confidence on the water.
Who is the Catch It package best for?
Catch It is ideal for first-time fly fishers, families, and anglers who want structured learning rather than a fully independent fishing trip. No prior fly fishing experience is required.
How long is the Catch It package and what does it include?
Catch It is a 4-day, 5-night all-inclusive package that includes guided fishing, fly fishing instruction, lodging, meals, and access to public and private fishing waters. Optional upgrades, such as float trips, are available.
Does the Catch It package include everything I need?
The package includes guided fishing, instruction, lodging, meals, and scheduled activities.
Not included are Montana fishing licenses, guide gratuities, and personal gear outside of optional upgrades. These items are standard exclusions for guided fly fishing trips.
What equipment do I need to bring for the Catch It package?
Guests should bring waders, boots, polarized sunglasses, weather-appropriate clothing, and bug repellant. If you do not have fly fishing gear, an Orvis starter kit or equipment rentals can be added to your stay.
Is the Catch It package good for kids or families?
Yes. Catch It is family-friendly and works well for kids and teens who are new to fly fishing. Activities and instruction are paced to match experience levels, and younger anglers may require supervision.
Do I need a Montana fishing license?
Yes. A valid Montana fishing license is required for all fishing activities and must be purchased separately. We’re happy to provide guidance on how to obtain one.
Start Your Adventure
We’d love to help you plan your next trip to Upper Canyon Outfitters! Contact us to submit a reservation request or drop us a note.
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