Who is best suited to this destination?
North Fork Crossing is wonderful for angler-focused groups, be it friends, families, or couples. Those who do not require the absolute highest-end, built-in luxury accommodations will be very happy here. While private bathrooms and showers are dedicated to each tent cabin, it is important to note they are located in a detached building behind the tents.
Where is the lodge?
The lodge is in Ovando, Montana, located in the heart of the Blackfoot River valley and about an hour’s drive east from Missoula.
How do I get there?
Guests typically fly into Missoula Montana Airport (MSO), which is the closest commercial airport. From there, it is an easy, scenic one-hour drive to the lodge via rental car.
When should I go?
The Blackfoot River fishes very well from mid-June to mid-July when hatches are at their peak, and again during the beautiful, crisp days of September. Guests specifically looking to target larger trout can visit in October when the big resident brown trout become highly active and aggressive.
How will I fish?
Anglers will fish two per guide, utilizing specialized rafts or drift boats to cover water. The fishing is highly dynamic; you will spend plenty of time casting directly from the boat, but you will also frequently get out to wade fish the river's numerous gravel bars, banks, and productive runs.
Is there wade fishing?
Yes! While all the rivers accessed by this venue are best traveled by boat, they offer abundant opportunities to get out of the craft and wade. The river features countless gravel bars, banks, and incoming tributaries that are perfect for exploring on foot. Wading is generally moderate, and felt-soled boots are highly recommended.
Where will I fish?
The primary fishery is the Blackfoot River, featuring four main full-day floats that showcase classic Montana pocket water and canyons. For variety or changing conditions, anglers may also head out to fish the Missouri River, Clark Fork River, and Bitterroot River.
How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds?
The Blackfoot River runs right past the camp and can be accessed in minutes. Most put-in spots on the home river will take a brief 30-minute drive or less to reach. Trips to the Missouri, Clark Fork, and Bitterroot Rivers are a bit further, taking closer to an hour and thirty minutes each way.
What type(s) of fish will I catch?
Wild rainbow and brown trout are the most common species encountered. However, depending on the stretch of water and time of year, anglers may also see native Westslope cutthroat trout, brook trout, and mountain whitefish.
How many fish will I catch?
While catch numbers will always vary by individual angler skill and daily river conditions, a realistic expectation for this wild fishery is five to 10 fish per person, per day.
Will I see other anglers?
No! While no public river in Montana is entirely private, the stretches of the Blackfoot and its forks fished by the lodge enjoy remarkably low angling pressure compared to other famous blue-ribbon rivers in the state. More often than not, you’ll feel like you have vast reaches of this beautiful canyon country completely to yourself.
What are the guides like?
The guides are seasoned, professional, and licensed through PRO Outfitters. They know every rock, eddy, and hatch on the Blackfoot like the backs of their hands. They are passionate dry fly specialists who take their craft seriously, but they are equally patient, laid-back, and enthusiastic teachers who love sharing their knowledge with anglers of all skill levels.
What are the physical demands?
Physical demands are light to moderate. Fishing from the drift boats or rafts is very comfortable and accessible to almost anyone. If you choose to wade fish, navigating moving water and rocky riverbeds requires a baseline of balance and mobility, but the guides are always there to assist and ensure you fish at a pace comfortable to you.
Are there any special skills required?
No special skills are required. Whether you are a seasoned fly fisher looking to perfect your reach cast or a complete novice holding a fly rod for the first time, the guides will meet you at your level and customize the instruction to ensure you have a fun and successful trip.
Does the lodge provide equipment?
Yes, the lodge and guides can provide high-quality fly rods, reels, lines, and terminal tackle if needed. However, we always recommend bringing your own favorite rods and a well-fitting pair of waders and wading boots for maximum personal comfort.
What is your favorite setup for the trip?
A fast-action 9-foot 5-weight or 6-weight fly rod paired with a high-floating weight-forward floating line is the absolute bread and butter for this trip. This setup gives you the power to punch large foam terrestrial patterns or dry/dropper rigs through an afternoon canyon breeze, while still offering the delicacy needed to present smaller mayflies to rising fish.
What are the top flies?
For dry flies, large foam attractors like Chubby Chernobyls (in gold, purple, and orange), rogue foam stoneflies, and PMX patterns dominate the summer. Classic patterns like the Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, and Purple Haze are essential for matching hatches. For sub-surface work, a variety of bead-head nymphs like Prince Nymphs, Flashback Pheasant Tails, and Pat’s Rubber Legs make excellent droppers.
What are the options if water conditions become challenging?
One of the greatest assets of North Fork Crossing is its exceptional geographical versatility. If the Blackfoot experiences unusual turbidity or challenging water levels, the lodge has easy, rapid access to several completely different river systems. You can pivot to the tailwater bites on the mighty Missouri, head to the expansive Clark Fork, or fish the Bitterroot River, ensuring you always have prime water to fish.
What is a typical day like?
Your day begins with a hot, freshly prepared breakfast in the main lodge cabin. Afterward, you’ll grab your gear and head out with your guide to the river. You’ll spend the morning floating and fishing, stopping midday on a scenic gravel bar for a delicious, hearty riverside lunch. You’ll fish through the afternoon, arriving back at the lodge in time for the evening cocktail hour. There, you can relax, swap fish stories, and enjoy fresh appetizers before sitting down to a gourmet dinner.
What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge?
The vibe is rustic elegance meets classic Montana hospitality—unpretentious, comfortable, and deeply relaxing. It blends the romance of an upscale, old-school safari tent camp with the community feel of a traditional fly fishing lodge. It's a place where you can completely unwind under the big Montana sky.
Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge?
Yes, there is always an attentive on-site manager and dedicated lodge staff present to oversee daily operations, assist with any guest needs, and ensure that your stay runs flawlessly from arrival to departure.
Where do we eat, and what are the meals like?
Meals are served in the attractive log-cabin-style main lodge building, which acts as the central gathering place. The cuisine is beautifully prepared and thoughtfully presented, frequently showcasing regional wild game, fresh local ingredients, and vibrant accents from the lodge's own herb garden. These are hearty, gourmet creations designed to satisfy a serious angler's appetite.
What is the alcohol policy?
The lodge happily provides a complimentary selection of fine wines and local craft beers during the evening appetizer hour and dinners. Hard alcohol is not included in the package, but guests are more than welcome to bring their own favorite spirits to enjoy at the lodge.
Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like?
Guests stay in deluxe, double-occupancy wall tents set on sturdy wood platforms. Each spacious tent features electricity, individual heaters, plush beds with fine linens, and a dresser. Each tent cabin has its own private, dedicated bathroom and shower, located in a detached facility just a short walk (within 150 feet) behind the tents.
Is there internet and/or cell service?
Cell service can be spotty to non-existent in this beautiful pocket of the Blackfoot corridor, depending on your carrier. Wi-Fi internet access is available in the main lodge building, allowing you to check in with family or work if necessary, though guests are encouraged to unplug and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Are there other activities?
Because the property is highly focused on world-class fly fishing, there are very few dedicated non-angling activities on-site. Guests taking a break from the river can enjoy hiking the scenic trails around the property, wildlife viewing, bird watching, photography, or simply relaxing with a book on the lodge deck overlooking the river.
Are there any other expenses?
Standard packages do not include commercial airfare, airport transfers, Montana fishing licenses, hard alcohol, or discretionary gratuities for the hard-working guide and lodge staff.
Do I need a visa?
Citizens of the United States do not need a visa. International visitors traveling to the U.S. should verify entry and visa requirements (such as an ESTA or tourist visa) based on their country of citizenship well in advance of travel.
Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances?
Western Montana is a safe, pristine environment, though it is wild country. Standard outdoor awareness regarding native wildlife (including bears), changing weather patterns, and sun exposure is recommended. We recommend that guests always consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center for Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.
