FAQ | Missoula Fly Fishing Vacations, Montana Fly Fishing Guides, Flyfishing Missoula MT, Five Valleys Fishing Company

About Us

I am a Montana fly fishing outfitter based in Missoula and operating on some of western Montana's finest flyfishing waters. Having guided and fished from Alaska to Argentina, I have seen it all. Considering my long-term addiction to fishing dryflies, living and working out of Missoula made sense.

“To us this isn't just a sport . . . it's a lifestyle!”

I started Five Valleys Fishing Company after I saw a need for an entirely different kind of outfitter. My guides and I have dedicated our lives to fly fishing. To us, this isn't just a sport - it's a lifestyle. While many other outfitters may be stuck in a routine or live in the past, we pride ourselves on being the cutting edge.

This means our job never stops. While others are spending their winters tying flies or skiing, we are on the water. I believe that this kind of dedication is key to understanding the nuances of fly fishing in Montana.

Our philosophy is being on the water when the fish are rising. Depending on the time of year, that's not always "9 to 5." Our style is based on fishing, not convenience. While others choose to keep banker's hours, we give you the option to experience the ultimate in Montana flyfishing. Anyone who is in the know will tell you that some of the Missoula area's best flyfishing happens in the evening, or early enough that most outfitters are still making coffee. We are committed to showing you the best possible fishing experience in Montana - plain and simple.

As for guides, I only hire people who are committed to flyfishing and conservation. This committment shows in our passion and how we treat you. Fly fishing guides are common in Montana, but people like us who live to fish are rare. We emphasize teaching; no matter what the water, weather or fishing conditions, you will leave here a better flyfisherman. We will share our love for Montana fly fishing and our intimate knowledge of the Missoula area rivers. You won't be disappointed . . . Guaranteed.

Our Guarantee:

If you have any problem with the professionalism, capability, or local river knowledge of our guides, I will fully refund your money. Enough said.

top

Our Guides

Brandon Henley

Brandon Henley, owner/outfitter of Five Valleys Fishing Company, takes great pride in his knowledge of flyfishing Montana and around the world. "I started fishing before I could walk in the mountains of North Carolina. At the age of ten, I inherited my great grandfather's bamboo rod and never looked back."

Looking to take his fishing out west, he attended the University of Montana for fisheries biology. After school, he started guiding all over the west, while calling Missoula, Montana, his home. "Whether it's chasing permit in Belize or brown trout on the Bitterroot, this was what I was born to do - that's why flyfishing is no longer a passion, but an obsession."

Austin Trayser

Austin Trayser and a golden gasketmouth - aka, a carp Austin Trayser loves nothing more than being on the water. Flyfishing has always been an important part of his life, and he still jumps at any opportunity to wet a line. His passion for Flyfishing started in his childhood, spending summers in Montana with his family. "I feel lucky to have such an awesome dad who dragged me all over the world in search of fish."

He has spent lots of time in Florida, Mexico, and the Bahamas, wading the salt flats for snook, redfish, tarpon, and bonefish. His other passion in life is photography. Austin is a great teacher and one hell of a guide.

Josh Osborn

Guide Josh Osborn holds a cutthroat trout Josh Osborn grew up fishing, clamming, crabbing and shrimping around the Hood Canal in Washington. He spent the latter part of his childhood fishing around the Northwest while living around Portland. He became addicted to fly fishing about 11 years ago while living in Jackson Hole.

As usual, Josh took it to the next level, living out of his pickup while he fished his way across Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. His greatest strength is his adventurous attitude and willingness to find the fish no matter what the conditions. His latest pursuit is his beloved steelhead this past winter. Josh embodies the best aspects of a trout bum mentality.

Nick Ross

Guide Nick Ross with a quality Rainbow trout Nick Ross grew up in Pueblo, Colorado, fishing the South Platte, Arkansas, and high mountain lakes. He flyfished throughout high school, and then in College when he moved to Gunnison, Colorado, where he spent time exploring SW Colorado tailwaters. He is known around these parts for his incredibly inventive flies that just make fish eat. He loves fishing big scary baitfish patterns with sink tips to find the mystery tug from down below, but in all honesty, he just loves being on the water, no matter what's happening.

top

What should I bring to fish in Montana?

All our guides carry extra rods and reels, warm clothing, and most anything you might need. However, you may want to bring the items listed below to maximize your comfort so you can focus on the most important thing . . . fishing!

Here is a short list of things you may need for your time on the water:

Rods - A 5- or 6-weight should suffice in most situations we encounter. Feel free to use your own, or your guide will be glad to furnish one for you.
Reels - Any reel with a smooth drag and a weight forward line will do as long as it matches the rod you've chosen. If you have an extra spool with a sinktip line, bring that along as well for dredging the depths with streamers.
Waders - In the spring and fall, you might want to bring waders and wading boots due to cool water temps. In most cases, if you don't have them, we can get you in and out of the boat without getting wet. During the summer, shorts and sandals are quite comfortable for wet wading.
Rain Gear - Good rain gear can really make the difference when the weather goes south. In Montana, the weather can vary wildly due to the terrain, so quality rain gear is a necessity.
Sunglasses - We cannot stress enough the importance of polarized sunglasses. They protect your eyes and take the glare off the water so you can see your fly and the fish.
Warm Clothes - Due to our mountainous setting, the weather can turn cool even in the summer. Try to bring layers in wool or synthetics to knock the chill off. Stocking caps and gloves can come in handy in the spring and fall.
Sunscreen and Insect repellent
Medications
Fishing license - You can purchase a license online or wait until you get to Montana.

If you have any questions about gear recommendations, please give us a call. We are happy to offer suggestions to make your trip as comfortable - and productive - as possible!

top

Lodging

Double Tree Edgewater
406/728.3100
Located near downtown Missoula and on the banks of the Clark Fork River, the Edgewater offers very nice lodging and a great restaurant. Sit on the deck and take in the sights after a day on the water. Then if you like, walk downtown and sample some of Missoula's famous nightlife. Make a Reservation . . .
Campus Inn
406/549.5134
The campus inn is located in downtown Missoula two blocks from the Clark Fork river and right on Rattlesnake creek. Walk to restaurants, bars, and shopping in vibrant downtown Missoula. Great lodging, nice ammenities, at a price that won't break the bank. GO GRIZ!

top

Testimonials

“The fishing was beyond our wildest expectations!”

Thanks again, Brandon, for a world-class guiding experience. The fishing was beyond our wildest expectations and that was primarily due to your knowledge of the river and the best techniques to use on the Madison during that time of year. My brother and I enjoyed our time not only fishing with you but hearing about your fishing and hunting adventures and bear encounters on the way back. Looking forward to our return visit this summer.

Scott

As a saltwater charter captain from Florida, you can imagine how much I love to fish. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Big Sky, Montana, for a family vacation. I wanted to fish the Madison River during my visit. I had the good fortune of meeting Brandon Henley a local guide, so we booked a trip. My brother-in-law Kirk Neely and I met Brandon at the fly shop and we headed out in his truck with his new boat trailing close behind. We put in at a local ramp and our adventure began.

The Madison is a beautiful river with great scenery and an abundance of native brown trout. I've done some flyfishing in the past, Tarpon and Bone fishing in Belize, Sea Trout and Snook on my home waters of the Indian River lagoon, but never on a river like the Madison, it was light fly tackle all the way. Kirk caught the first fish right as we left the ramp for our first drift, a beautiful Rainbow about 10 inches long. I just knew it was going to be a great day.

We floated, told stories, enjoyed the sights and missed several fish before finally getting the hang of it again. As we neared the take out area, I made a cast to the bank where it looked good. The indicator float disappeared and I raised my rod tip, and the fish was on - a beautiful native Brown Trout about 4 pounds by Brandon's best guess. So far, the best fish of the day and the biggest brown I have ever caught.

We stopped on the river bank and enjoyed the lunch Brandon provided while he was shuttled back to get the truck and trailer for our second drift which turned out to be better than the first. It provided a nice whitefish, commonly referred to by the local fly fishing guides as a "Montana Bonefish".

“Brandon's excitement infected us all . . . ”

The last fish of the day was by far the best. Brandon moved us from fishing the edge to the middle of the river where he knew some big fish were. Sure enough, when my indicator disappeared again, I set the hook and we were off to the races. I fought the fish for what seemed like hours, but in reality was only about 5 to 7 minutes. The first time it broke the water Brandon's excitement infected us all - this fish was big! Once he got the net under it, we were all relieved, another brown trout 5 to 6 pounds - what a way to end the day.

If you ever have a chance to fish the Madison near Big Sky, Montana, be sure to call Brandon Henley: He is attentive, experienced and his local fishing knowledge is the best. Thanks again Brandon, I am sure I'm just one of your many happy customers.

Captain Butch Kearney

Hey, Brandon just wanted to drop you a note. Julie and I had three of the best days on the water we have ever had with you. You hunt rising fish like like I stalk elk! I will never forget the brown that day on the Missouri, what an experience. See you next year!

Greg and Jules
Gunnison CO

Brandon, we just got back home and wanted to send you some pics from our days on the river. What a blast! I just wanted to thank you again for all the patience you showed my son and I. To be honest, as beginners, my expectations weren't too high for our first trip out west, but man, was I wrong. You are a pleasure to fish with and a top notch guide. Zack is hooked for life now. Thanks!

Ben O.
Chicago IL

I have fished with Brandon in three states over the years, and wherever we are, he always knows the goods. Whether it's a must-have fly or a spot that most overlook, this guy delivers year in and year out.

Mark F.
Duluth MN

Your knowledge of the Bitterroot impressed us all. It was if you knew what the fish were thinking! All of the guys agreed you are the nicest guide we have ever fished with as well. Thanks for a great time and some real pigs! We will be back this season and for years to come.

Buzz W.
Fort Bragg, CA

Even though we only had two days to fish Montana, you made the most of it. Ryan and I had more fun than should be legal in 48 hours. You really know the hot spots on and off the water, if you know what I mean. We'll call you on our next time through and try to hit all four rivers this time!

Tom S.
Rouge River, OR

top

Flyfishing pushed past

the point of obsession!

Missoula Fly Fishing FAQ