Learn to be a fishing guide or learn to fish like a fishing guide. Or both. That's the Montana Fishing Guide School.
The Montana Fishing Guide School is the ideal place to learn the trade of being a fly fishing guide or to become a better angler. Fishing guides can earn up to $10,000 a month or more during the busy season. The cost of the guide school is a small investment in giving you the confidence in landing the guide job you've always wanted or for taking your guiding and fishing to the next level. In fact, the investment in the guide school can be returned after a few weeks on the job.
Our
Program
Our Program
A dynamic and comprehensive course provides variety, challenge, and plenty of river time
Our curriculum was honed through years of guiding and outfitting, business management, and working throughout all levels of the outdoor education industry. We continually adapt to industry trends and incorporate innovative teaching methods, fishing techniques, and ways to put better guides on the water.
Curriculum
You Will Learn
Entomology and Fish Feeding Habits
Technical Guiding Fly Fishing Aspects
Rowing A Boat to Catch Fish
Guide and Client Relations
The Business of Guiding
Marketing Yourself and Your Services
Managing Your Book of Clients & Calendar
River Safety
CPR and First Aid Certification
Streamside Ecology and Riparian Education
Job Placement and Networking
Our
Classroom
Locations
Our classroom boasts world class fisheries that will not disappoint
The Gallatin, Madison, Yellowstone, and Missouri Rivers, as well as private lakes, spring creeks, and smaller freestone rivers offer some of the best opportunities to challenge your angling ability and learn the profession of guiding. We fish a variety of waters in seven days, not the same river every day.
Upcoming Courses
COURSE DATES
Upcoming Sessions
Enrollment
Apply Now
Complete a brief questionnaire to begin the enrollment process.
Details
What's Included
Basic Tuition Includes:
Seven full days of fly fishing instruction
Course materials
Free swag bag
7 lunches, 1 dinner
Diploma
Personal evaluation
Transportation during the course
We would be happy to help point you in the right direction for lodging.
Students provide their own fishing gear and Montana fishing license. Flies and tackle for the on-the-water sessions can be purchased throughout the course from Gallatin River Guides at a school discount.
2027
Cost
$2,490
Booking & Cancellation Policy
Deposits and Payment
A 55% deposit is required at the time of booking to hold your spot.
All deposits are final and non-refundable.
The remaining 45% is due 30 days before the class start date and must be paid by that date. If final payment is not received by that date, your spot may be released and your deposit forfeited.
Final payment is non-refundable once paid.
Cancellations and Schedule Changes
Because of limited class sizes, no refunds will be issued for cancellations at any time.
Transfers to another session or a future year are not available.
If you’re unable to attend, you may send someone in your place at no additional cost. Please let us know their name and contact information before the class starts.
No refunds or credits will be issued for no-shows, late arrivals, or missed days or sessions.
If We Cancel a Class
If GRG cancels a class for any reason, including low enrollment or instructor illness, you will receive your choice of a full refund or credit towards another class.
Weather and River Conditions
We fish rain, snow, or shine, and we can’t control river conditions. No refunds or credits will be issued due to weather or river conditions.
To give you the best possible experience, we may change the river, location, or class schedule based on weather or river conditions.
Fishing Licenses
Every student must have a valid Montana fishing license covering every day of the class. If you are unable to get your license before class, including when Montana FWP’s online system is down or has errors, we cannot take you fishing and no refund will be issued. We strongly recommend purchasing your license at least one week before your class.
Trip Insurance
Because all payments are non-refundable, we strongly recommend purchasing Trip Insurance to protect your investment. If you have any questions, please reach out to us.
Michael Donaldson, MT Outfitter Lic. #36853. Our outfitting is permitted by the Montana Board of Outfitters and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. We are an equal opportunity provider operating under a Special Use Permit with the U.S. Forest Service on the Custer Gallatin National Forest.
Our
Impact
Alumni TESTIMONIALS &
Success Stories
“My biggest takeaway was the confidence the guide school gave to achieve my goals in my guiding career. If you are a newer guide in the industry and unsure of your skill level or would like to improve any aspect of your guide career I would recommend this school to you. ”
Articles
About
Us
The Montana Fishing Guide School is built on the foundation of great teaching from our world-class instructors with over 100 years combined guiding, outfitting, retail, lodge management, and instructional experience.
Organized and managed by Gallatin River Guides fly shop and career guide and outfitter, Mike Donaldson. The Montana Fishing Guide School, and the instructors we hire, are committed to professionalism and quality. Our goal: to help you become a fishing guide, better angler, or both.
All of our instructors are full time professional guides and industry professionals.
“We are ‘lifers’ in this business and want to share our passion with you.”