WHEN is the best time to fish?

You decide!

Many of our guests have asked, "When is the best time to schedule a fly fishing trip to Montana?" The answer is simple: "When you can."

There is no best week in Montana. Not every river is fishable throughout the season which we generally define as Mid-March through November. The factors commonly important to the angler are air temperature and precipitation, water clarity, periods of major snow-melt, hatches, water temperature, and whether the stream is on the drop or on the rise. As you might imagine, these factors all play together on various streams to make it virtually impossible to predict with any accuracy a specific best week. All of these factors may vary from stream to stream and year to year. In spite of all this, here are a few guidelines.

Generally speaking April is cool and relatively dry with cold clear water. May is usually more damp, a little warmer, with some streams in runoff. June is usually damp, moderate air temperatures and some streams in runoff. July and August are warm and dry and September is usually comfortable temperatures and dry. September, October and November almost always have great water conditions, but of course weather begins to get cooler as you get into the fall.

To complicate things a little further, trout don't necessarily like the same weather conditions as we humanoids. For instance two of our favorite hatches on freestone streams are in May-June and October.

Because PRO has dealt with all these variables for years, we believe it is wise to visit with us about the times which will work best for your schedules and set a date. Then as the time approaches we will inform you of current conditions and offer alternative locations and rivers if the situation requires. PRO fishes a number of waters on both sides of the Continental Divide. We guide on small streams, large rivers, tailwaters, spring creeks, and we have some excellent still water opportunities. Yes, there is some science to this sport, but there is also some luck.

The bottom line is that PRO promises to provide expertise, choices, courteous professionalism, and integrity. The rest is up to Lady Luck.

— 2008 Fee Schedule —

Smith River — Trips are five days, four nights on the river for eight people. Smith River trips are $3,500 per person.
Please call for open dates.

North Fork Crossing — Guided fly fishing and extended stay in our luxury tent-cabins.
     3 days/4 nights $2,050 per guest
     4 days/5 nights $2,450 per guest
     5 days/6 nights $2,850 per guest
     Additional days $540 per guest
     Non-angler. .$400 per guest/per day
Price based on double occupancy. Private party - 14 guests. Gratuity (payable by cash or personal check only) and airport shuttle additional.

Wild Upland Bird Hunting — Three day package with accomodations at the hunting lodge is $3,600 per person. A four day combo with one day fishing is $4,000 per person. Additional days are $1,000 per day per person.

Guided Day Trips — can be arranged any day of the week or any time of year. The cost includes guided fishing and lunch for one or two anglers -- $450 on all rivers.

RESERVATION/CANCELLATION POLICY

• A 50% deposit is due 14 days after booking an extended fishing or upland bird hunting trip. If deposit is not received within 14 days, your dates will be made available to potential guests.

• Smith River Trips: These extended trips are five days of guided fly fishing and four nights on the river for eight guests . Smith River deposits of 50% are due at the time of booking and are non-refundable. Full payment is due by February 1 of the year in which
your trip is booked.

• North Fork Crossing: If trip is cancelled 90 days prior to arrival date, your
deposit will be returned less a $200/person processing fee. Full payment is due 60 days
prior to your arrival. Payment for trips cancelled after this date is non-refundable.
Parties who arrive with fewer guests than are actually booked will be charged for the
number of guests booked at time of reservation. No adjustments will be made for late
arrivals/early departures.

• Upland Bird Hunting: If trip is cancelled 90 days prior to arrival date, your
deposit will be returned less a $250/person processing fee. Full payment is due 60 days prior to your arrival. Payment for trips cancelled after this date is non-refund
able. Parties who arrive with fewer guests than are actually booked will be charged for
the number of guests booked at time of reservation. No adjustments will be made for
late arrivals/early departures.

• Day Trips: For 1 or 2 people. Day trips must be paid in full at the time your trip is booked.
Your payment will be refunded, less a $150/boat fee, if trip is cancelled 14 days prior to scheduled date. If cancelled within 14 days of trip, payment is non-refundable.

• Trip insurance is highly recommended. Your full deposit/payment will be returned or held for a later date if PRO Outfitters is unable to run your trip.