Scott Vollmer Outfitting, LLC
Scott Vollmer, MT Outfitter #26303
Authorized Dealer, Canyon Coolers
Copyright Scott Vollmer Outfitting, LLC. All rights reserved.
When is the best time to come to Montana to fish?
If you are coming here strictly for the fishing, my favorite time of year is pre-runoff, from mid-April through May. The fish are hungry from a cold winter with low water temperatures and little food. They haven't seen a summer's worth of fishing pressure, and many early season mayfly, stonefly, and caddis hatches are epic. Despite what you hear in nearly everyone's report, spring, not fall is the best time of year to catch a truly large fish on streamers. An added bonus is the relative lack of people on the rivers during this time of year. The trouble in paradise is the unpredictable weather and river conditions. We can have beautiful weather or it can easily snow. If you don't mind the possibility of less than ideal conditions and come prepared for the elements, you may have the best fishing of the season.
I am a beginner and have never tried this, do I need to take a lesson first?
While any well-taught lesson will help, it is not a prerequisite. We take pride in teaching beginners how to fly fish. It is not the easiest skill to learn, but it is also not as hard as many people profess. The payoff comes with catching that first fish on a fly rod. You will be addicted for sure and is why we enjoy this silly job of guiding fisherman so much!
My significant other doesn’t fish, but can she or he come along, and will they enjoy the trip?
Even if they don't fish at all, the scenery alone on the river will be worth the trip. Of course, if she or he feels the urge, we will be fully prepared to teach them a little about fly-fishing. They often end up getting hooked on fly-fishing pretty quickly!
What do we need to bring along on a float or wade trip?
The absolute necessities are:
1. Fishing license
2. Rain jacket
3. Polarized sunglasses
4. Camera
5. Reasonable expectations and a good attitude
Some highly recommended items (that can be rented or borrowed) include:
1. Wading shoes and breathable waders
2. Bug spray and suntan lotion
3. Warm layered clothing based on current weather conditions
4. Fly fishing rod, preferably 5 or 6 weight or both
Are lunches and drinks provided?
On all float and wade trips, a high quality lunch and non-alcoholic drinks are provided and are included in the cost of the trip. You are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages or we can stop on the way to the river and you can purchase them yourself. Montana law does not allow us to provide or serve alcoholic beverages. If you have special dietary restrictions or desires, please let us know so that we can make accommodations.
How long is a full-day trip? Why don't you do half-day trips? When do we depart and return?
When you book a trip with Scott Vollmer Outfitting, you have us "rented" for the day. The day can consist of however long or short you desire. An average float or wade trip involves 10 hours of time, including travel time, which often can be substantial in Montana.
We do not do half-day trips, because I only use select guides that are in high demand. These guides have already established themselves in our profession and do not need to accept half-day trips that leave them at an economic disadvantage. For the same reason, we do not do "3rd person option" trips.
At Scott Vollmer Outfitting, we are committed to giving you the best experience possible. This includes using only select guides and departing to the river a little earlier to get out in front of the crowds. However, we cannot emphasize enough that we are on your schedule. You can tell us where your preference lies (remember, it is your vacation, treat it like one!)
Can we keep any fish we catch?
At Scott Vollmer Outfitting, we strongly promote and encourage catch and release. If you decide to keep some fish, we must follow all daily and possession limits established by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.
Do I need to tip my guide? How much?
Yes, please tip your guide. Like all people involved in the service industry, tips are a large portion of a fishing guide's livelihood. The average daily tip for a guide is $150-$200.