Montana Flyfishing & Hunting Guide- Glacier Park Guided Fishing Trips Arends Flies

Ask the Guide

Through years of experience, Bob Arends is able to share with you
the top 10 questions asked about fishing.

What sizes and colors of flies do I need?
The type of flies you are trying to attract the fish with, is determined by the sizes and colors of the hatches you are trying to imitate with these flies.
What are wild trout?
Wild trout are either native or have been introduced and are self maintaining population.
What kind of fly should I use?
This is determined by when, where you are and what you are trying to imitate. You will need to research what hatches are actively occurring at the time that you are planning your trip.
Where should I go fishing?
Rivers or lakes both offer unique fishing opportunities. This really depends on your unique situation and your access to these areas. Northwest Montana offers rivers and lakes in pristine wilderness areas. See guided fishing service on this site for further information.
What time of year is best for fishing?
Most people determine this by when your time is available to go fishing. Spring and Fall fly fishing are wonderful in Montana, but weather is constantly changing, so many people prefer the mild climate of the summer season. However, summer season invites more fishing enthusiasts to the rivers and lakes.
Should I go with a guide, or by myself?
This is determined by your level of experience, and knowledge of the area. If your budget allows, the new or experienced fly fisher will have an enhanced flyfishing trip when sharing with an experienced guide. You will learn new skills from someone who has devoted a life to a sport you are trying to enjoy.
What time of day is best for fishing?
When the hatch is coming off usually late or early in the day.
What equipment is needed for fly fishing?
Most cases all you need is an assortment of flies, a fly rod with a matching fly line on a reel with a leader. A good pair of waders and boots will make the difference between a wet cold fishing experience, and one that is comfortable.
What types of leaders and tippet do I need?
Leader size is determined by size of flies and fish you are fishing for.
Why is there catch and release?
Catch and release was started to help our wild fish population stay stable so that we can try to keep the fish in the system through adulthood. This aids them to survive to spawning cycles. Our waters do not need the aid of hatcheries that can introduce sickness and unwanted dangers.

Tips on Catch and Release

Fish should be brought in as quickly as possible
Pinch your barbs on your hooks down. This will facilitate the release of your catch and aid removing from your own person or article of clothing
Never lift the fish out of the water for photos or for any other reason.
Nets should not be used, for they do more harm than good, and usually only cost you unnecessary expense when a catch and release tool will perform the same duty
Handling fish is not healthy for the fish even if you wet your hands first. If necessary, a latex glove will help to preserve its health.
Catch and release only works when we return them back to their environment as quickly as possible using a forceps or catch and release tool instead of nets.