About FishTales Outfitting
Welcome to FishTales Outfitting, where the owner/operator Michael Stack and his teams of expert fly fishing guides bring an incredible number of combined years of guiding experience to the legendary trout waters of western and southwestern Montana. This is the home of the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Madison, Jefferson, Yellowstone, and Ruby Rivers, the headwaters of the Missouri River. To the north near Missoula are the Blackfoot, Bitterroot, and Clark Fork, the man tributaries of the Clark For drainage. Both areas we guide on are readily accessible by the commercial hubs of Bozeman, Billings, Butte in the southwest. To The north is Missoula, and Great Falls, making us perfectly situated to head in any and all directions in pursuit of world-class fly fishing in Montana.
At FishTales Outfitting, we specialize in creating personalized experiences on our world-renowned wild trout rivers and fee-access private waters. The rivers of western and southwestern Montana is without question offer some of the most diverse fly fishing anywhere in North America, naturally lends itself to accommodating anglers of all experience levels.
Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned hand, FishTales Outfitting will customize a day on the water that’s well suited to your interests and skill levels. Our expert guides have nurtured a soft touch for those eager to learn the basics, all while possessing a mastery of their craft and comprehensive knowledge of the region’s individual nuances. Rest assured, the experts at FishTales Outfitting will teach you everything you need to know for a fun, successful, and memorable day on the water.
Our Amazing Montana Fly Fishing Guides
Michael Stack – Owner/Outfitter
Michael grew up hunting and fishing in Connecticut. As a youth, he spent a lot of time in the woods with his grandfather. He was a passionate, avid outdoorsman and Connecticut State Park constable that instilled Michael’s deep respect and love for the outdoors.
In 1995, Michael decided to follow his dreams, love of the outdoors, and fly fishing and packed his bags for Alaska where he guided his first season in Katmai National Park chasing giant rainbows and Pacific Salmon on The Kulik, Moraine, and Kukaklek Rivers alongside Alaskan Coastal Brown Bears.
The following spring, opportunity led him to Montana, where the fly fishing guiding job of his childhood dreams came true. Since then, he has guided here in Southwestern Montana, putting down roots and establishing FishTales Outfitting. He’s a long-time career guide and fly fishing outfitter with over twenty-five years of guiding experience. He is intimate with the waters of southwest Montana and looks forward to sharing our amazing Montana trout rivers with you.
Chris Connor - Guide
With 35 years of fly fishing experience and 16 years of guiding anglers and hunters on the rivers and mountains of southwest Montana and Yellowstone National Park, Chris knows his way down the creek! Chris is a very patient instructor and enjoys teaching novices and experienced anglers the tactics and strategies that consistently produce large trout on all of our area rivers. Chris resides with his wife and two children near Ennis and The Madison River. When not guiding, Chris enjoys fishing, hunting and skiing with family and friends.
LaMont Carter - Guide
Lamont grew up fishing in Utah. “My dad bought me my first fly rod when I was 16 years old. It took me 5 years of “trying” before I actually caught my first fish”. Being a professional fly-fishing guide for almost 8 years, Lamont has also guided in Wyoming and Idaho. Lamont eventually fulfilled his lifelong dream to guide and live in Montana. His first year guiding in Montana was in West Glacier National Park. Lamont is a patient guide with a passion for fly fishing that is infectious to anyone he guides no matter what their skill level. He teaches them the knowledge that they can understand and have a great time learning. Lamont and his wife Jayla reside near the Beaverhead River in Dillon. On his off time, you can find him throwing streamers and chasing brown trout.
Mike Price - Guide
Mike grew up fishing in Colorado on some of the most technical tailwater rivers in the west. He has a niche for finding and catching difficult trout on pressured streams. Eventually, he realized that being in a boat and fishing dry flies on big, free-flowing rivers with wild trout was the pinnacle of the sport. Now in Montana, he spends as much time as he can floating its fabled waters and loves to share his passion with everyone. Mike is a very patient and enthusiastic guide who likes to think outside the box.
Dave Hernden - Guide
Dave grew up in Saginaw, Michigan and Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was introduced to fly fishing at a very young age but didn’t become obsessed with it until I moved to Colorado. He’s been seriously fly fishing for about 18 years and guiding for 10. Dave loves the teaching all aspects of fly fishing, the importance of being in nature and connecting the two. Passing it on to hopefully change someone’s life or just give them a bit of joy and relaxation. He admits he likes catching any fish that wiggles, but his favorite species are trout, because of how and where we catch them.
Wade Whitaker - Guide
Wade began fishing at the age of four in California, chasing panfish and bass. Later, an academic background in entomology would lead him to trout. In his personal angling history, he’s: chased Bitterroot river Pike; PNW steelhead; Californian barracuda; Missouri River carp; and, of course, trout from all over the West. He’s experienced most fishing conditions and takes pride in outwitting the most stubborn and clever of trout. He resides for most of the year in the Big Hole valley and has guided on the Big Hole, Beaverhead, and Clark Fork rivers. This is his second year guiding in the states. His photography can be viewed on his site: incompleatangler.fish.
We look forward to fishing with you!
Please call us at (406) 451-2074, email Michael at info@mtfishtales.com or contact us here with any questions.
Testimonial
My partner and I fished with Mike on the Beaverhead on July 25, 2013. We were provided a very full day on a river that is heavily fished. Despite heavy river traffic, Mike structured our day in such a way that we actually contended with very few others. We actually had relative solitude on crowded waters–no small accomplishment.
The trip went off as planned with no unpleasant surprises like, “Oh there will be a charge of $35 for flies.” NONE of that. Michael proved to be personable, extremely competent, and utterly professional. Most importantly, he had us on fish ALL day. We landed 25+ fish that day and several were 20″ or better. When I return to the Beaverhead I will book Mike without hesitation. Thanks for a great day!
Chris W.
This March will be my third early spring in a row fishing with Mike. I couldn’t imagine a more enjoyable experience. From the peaceful, beautiful conditions you fish in, to the excitement of fish after fish that Mike puts you on, every moment is amazing. Mike is very patient and mixes wading and drift fishing nicely. The best part is that Mike gets as excited as I do when I hook a fish. I will keep coming back to Mike at least every year.
Kyle S.
Mike is very knowledgable and was very patient with me since it was only my 2nd time fishing!! He was prompt, helpful and encouraging. And the lunch was fantastic!
Jimcindye
Fished the Madison yesterday with guide Michael Stack. The wind was howlin’, but the fishing was excellent. Michael seemed to know every hole and run that held fish. I’ve fished with many guides over the years, and this guy is one of the best – friendly and extremely knowledgable. A+
Zimfly
Mike and another of his guides took us on a family trip on the Madison River in late July. The trip was my wife and I and our daughter and son ages 12 and 11 with two and a guide in each boat. We’ve been on a few guided fly fishing trips over the years and Mike is one of the best guides we’ve been with. He knew the river well. Most of all, he really taught our kids how to fly fish the right way. He was patient with the kids and really worked hard to get us into position to catch fish. We all caught lots of fish on a fly or nymph. His equipment and flies are top notch. The lunch by the river was fantastic too! We will definitely be returning to fish with Mike in the future.
Jeff B.