Located in the heart of one of western Montana’s least traveled dry fly waters, North Fork Crossing Lodge shows the visiting angler what classic Montana trout fishing is all about. Despite being made famous by the book, A River Runs Through It, the Blackfoot River enjoys relatively low angling pressure and prolific hatches of aquatic insects. Guides at North Fork Crossing Lodge are dry fly specialists and are happy to share their knowledge with anglers in this relaxed trout fishing program. If more than 50 miles of fishable riffles, runs and pocket water isn’t enough, the Missouri, Bitterroot and Clark Fork Rivers are sure to please even the most jaded Rocky Mountain trout angler.

Guests of North Fork Crossing Lodge stay in deluxe double occupancy wall tents. Wood floors, electricity, heaters, plush beds, fine linens and dressers ensure that your “rustic” experience includes all the comforts you’d expect from a full-service lodge. The attractive log cabin style main lodge building serves as a comfortable gathering place and dining area after long fishing days. For serious anglers, friends and families looking for a unique and productive venue, this place has it all.

The fishing program at North Fork Crossing is centered around the Blackfoot River. Over 50 miles of the Blackfoot and its forks are easily accessible from the lodge and PRO Outfitters guides know it like the backs of their hands. The various sections of the Blackfoot encompass an endless series of riffles, pocket water and brawling whitewater. Hatches of aquatic insects are fairly reliable on the Blackfoot and these guides take their dry fly fishing very seriously. Although nymph and streamer rigs are a possibility during non-hatch periods, anglers are more likely to fish a dry/dropper combination in order to match current insect activity. For those wanting a little more variety, North Fork Crossing is within easy striking distance of a handful of world-class fisheries, including the Missouri, Clark Fork and Bitterroot Rivers and some lesser-known private spring creeks.

Fishing days will almost always employ a raft or drift boat, though walk-and-wade days are a possibility later in the season. Guests will head to the river with their guide after a full breakfast and will not be returning to the lodge until the evening cocktail hour. Though most of your fishing will be done from the boat, wading opportunities abound on most of the floats. Be sure to let your guide know early in the day if you like to fish while wading and they will strategize your day accordingly. The wading is not especially difficult and felt soled boots will work just fine. Anglers can expect to hook good numbers of cutthroat, rainbows and browns. The ratio of each species will vary between rivers.

North Fork Crossing Lodge sits on the banks of the North Fork Blackfoot River. Guests stay in deluxe double occupancy wall tents spread throughout the property. The tent units are best thought of as small, individual cabins that happen to have canvas walls. Wood floors, electricity, heaters, plush beds, fine linens and dressers ensure that guests’ stay is as comfortable as can be. Each tent has its own bathroom within 150 feet.

The main lodge building serves as the gathering place and dining area. When guests return to the lodge at the end of the day they’ll be welcomed by a fresh appetizer tray with choice of wine or beer. Meals are beautifully prepared and thoughtfully presented creations, often including local wild game accented by herbs from the lodge’s garden.

Day 1: Arrive North Fork Crossing Lodge.

Days 2 - 5: Full days of guided fishing

Day 6: Depart lodge.

2024 Rates: Per person based on double occupancy

• 7 night/6 day package: $6,000
• 6 night/5 day package: $5,000
• 5 night/4 day package: $4,300
• 4 night/3 day package: $3,175
• 3 night/2 day package: $2,310

Included: Accommodations and meals at the lodge, guided fishing

Not Included: Airfare, accommodations and meals other than lodge, staff & guide gratuities, hard alcohol, fishing licenses

Species: Cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brown trout

Season: April – October

Capacity: 14 guests