Category: Fly Fishing in Montana

  • Missoula, Montana….A Fly Fishing Destination

    Welcome to the home of Rainbow Bend Outfitters!  We offer full and half day guided fly fishing trips on western Montana’s beautiful and most prolific trout waters.  The Blackfoot River, The Bitterroot River, The Clark Fork River, and the Missouri River are waiting for you! And don’t forget to check out my vacation rental on the beautiful blackfoot river.

  • Fly Fishing Outfitters

    Fly Fishing Outfitters

    Book a guided fly fishing trip today on one of western Montana’s beautiful rivers! The Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Bitterroot, and Missouri rivers are waiting for you!!

    Blackfoot River, Brown Trout

    Mark Slayden has been guiding fly fishing trips on the rivers of western Montana since 2009. After a successful career as owner and co-founder of Eclipse Engineering, Inc., Mark left the confines of the office to live out his dream on the river. In 2014 he took that one step further and purchased his dream home on the bank of the famous Blackfoot River, where he offers full and half day guided fly fishing trips.

    Call today to book your fly fishing trip. From the single angler to groups, we are here to provide you with the information you need to make your next trip to Montana memorable.

    Cell Phone: (406) 370-9882

    Email: mark@rainbowbendoutfitters.com

    Mailing address: 4032 Rainbow Bend Drive, Bonner, MT 59823

    Outfitter License #16348

  • Fly Fishing Rates

    Fly Fishing Rates

    If you’re looking to do some fly fishing in Montana, I offer guided float and wade fly fishing trips primarily on the Blackfoot River, Bitterroot River, Clark Fork River, and Missouri River.  The following information will help you plan your fly fishing vacation.

    Full Day: $650  (2 anglers per boat)

    • Transportation, shuttle, lunch, and non-alcoholic beverages are provided.
    • All trips include flies, leaders, tippets, and all other terminal tackle.

    What to bring:

    • I recommend a 5 or 6 weight rod for most of our rivers. If you don’t have a fly rod or if you are unable to travel with your fly rod then one will be provided for you at no extra cost.
    • Waders and wading boots. I do have a limited supply of extra waders and every effort will be made to fit you in a pair of waders if you don’t have them. At the very least, you should bring rain pants and water-resistant shoes.
    • Rain jacket: This is VERY important…. even in the middle of August.
    • Warm cloths and extra layers: This is also very important, especially for trips in the spring and fall. If you’re here for the spring skwala stonefly hatch you’d better bring your ski parka too!
    • Polarized sunglasses
    • Sunscreen

    Other information:

    • You will need to purchase a Montana fishing license prior to fishing. You can purchase a license at any local fly shop or purchase one online prior to your arrival. Visit https://app.mt.gov/Als/Index for online licensing.
    • Half day rate: Subtract $100. Does not include lunch.
    • Single angler rate: Subtract $50.
    • Gratuities are not included in the quoted rates.
    • All fly fishing trips will be booked through Mark Slaydens outfitter license number 16348, 4032 Rainbow Bend Drive, Bonner, MT 59823.  406-370-9882.
    • If you are an outfitter and want my independent contractor info (insurance, icec, et. al.) please contact me via email or on the phone and I would be happy to furnish that information.

    Deposit and Cancellation Information:

    • A 50% deposit is required to secure your trip.  All deposits will be applied toward your balance and the balance of your trip is due one week prior to your trip date.
    • Cancellations made at least 30 days before your trip will receive a full refund of your deposit.  If you cancel within 30 days of your trip, your deposit is non-refundable.

    Phone: (406) 370-9882

    EMail: mark@rainbowbendoutfitters.com

  • Vacation Rental

    The Trout Bungalow on the Blackfoot River is available for nightly rental. World class trout fishing out your back door. Access to thousands of acres of public land. Rafting, fishing, hiking, hunting, snowmobiling, skiing, are just a few of the activities you can literally do without getting in a car. Yet the house is only a 20 minute drive to downtown Missoula. Where you’ll find great dining, shopping, music, and the University of Montana.

    Please visit my listing on VRBO for more information.

    https://www.vrbo.com/2732810

  • Reviews

    Reviews

    “Mark was an excellent host and fly fishing guide, who went above and beyond to make our trip a very memorable one…The days on the river were great, and we feel fortunate to have had Mark as our guide: he was easy-going, had a great sense of humor, and enabled us to hook into to some really nice cutthroat….We will be back.” Matt & Corey -California

     

    “Thanks for a most excellent time, Mark.  We had huge expectations for Missoula and the Montana experience…you really helped deliver!…what really made the difference was you and your positive vibe and incredible service.  We couldn’t have had a better time….” Sean McGann – Ohio

     

     

  • Patagonia 2027

    Patagonia 2027

    After another successful adventure to Argentina’s Patagonia region in January 2026, it’s time to start planning for January 2027! Here’s the itinerary in a nutshell….

    Itinerary #1: 8 days fishing and 10 nights lodging. $6,750 (Based on double occupancy, Does not include guide and staff gratuities, airfare, expenses getting to and from Esquel, fishing licenses, or park fees.)

    January 7, 2027: Arrive in Esquel, Argentina. We will be picked up at the airport and transported to the Casa De Piedre Hotel in Trevelin.

    January 8-9: Fish the majestic and prolific Rio Grande tailwater. At the end of the day of fishing on the 10th we will drive to the Chubut camp.

    January 10-12: Fish and camp on the Chubut River. Enjoy the solitude of Argentina while you fish and camp along a secluded and private section of the Chubut River. Camp in style and enjoy authentic Argentinian bbq.

    January 13: Travel day. Relax and enjoy the scenery while we drive to Bariloche.

    January 14-16: We will stay along the shores of Lago Nauhel Huapi and set out each day to fish different reaches of the famed Limay River.

    January 17: Fly out of Bariloche and begin your journey home.

    I’m here to help you plan the rest of your trip….the getting to and from Patagonia part of the trip. You can probably expect to spend about another $2,500 on everything that needs to happen prior to your arrival in Esquel…Plane tickets from the US to Buenos Aires, airfare from BA to Esquel, a couple nights lodging in BA, transfers in BA.

    Join me on a trip of a lifetime! Fish Patagonia! Fish Argentina!