Boulder River Outpost, Montana

Boulder River Outpost is a small fly fishing lodge in the heart of one of Montana’s most spectacular valleys. There is a huge variety of water within easy reach including access to private ranches, numerous rivers and technical spring creeks. The dry fly opportunities in the Boulder Valley and its surrounding waters are some of the best in the state.

Wonderful variety of rivers, lakes and creeks

It is possible to fish a giant swathe of Montana from Boulder River Outpost. Most of the waters are lightly fished, either because most guides can’t row the technical water on the Boulder with drift boats (Outpost guides use both rafts and drift boats), or because they can’t access National Forest waters or that they don’t have the same private access enjoyed by the lodge. The dry fly fishing is often spectacular with most of the summer fishing almost exclusively on the surface. Browns and rainbows dominate on the Boulder River with 16 to 18″ fish common and fish over 20″ caught regularly in the lower floats near the Yellowstone. West Boulder River is home to a mixed bag of rainbows and cutthroats, some of which are very big. The valley is gorgeous and an overnight extension to the West Boulder tent camp in the backcountry is also an option. East Boulder is smaller and although the trout aren’t as big it flows right past the lodge and offers some great evening fishing after dinner. The legendary Yellowstone is best floated and provides outstanding fishing from its headwaters in Yellowstone Park all the way beyond Columbus. The Boulder River Outpost guides concentrate on the lower Yellowstone where huge browns and rainbows lie in wait. A variety of hatches come off in the spring and early summer followed by outstanding terrestrial fishes in the late summer.

Other rivers fished by the lodge include Stillwater, one valley to the east of the main Boulder, Musselshell, a great small stream fishery on a private ranch and Sweet Grass Creek, a private water on a 25,000 acre ranch. Burns Lake is on another private ranch and offers the chance for trophy trout on both dries and nymphs. Anglers wishing to test their skills on some of the most prolific and technical waters in the world can visit the famous spring creeks near Livingston. These wade streams and infested with aquatic insects and carry an amazing density of trout.

Remote lodging with direct river access

Boulder River Outpost sits on the edge of several massive ranches, close to the location of Robert Redford’s ‘The Horse Whisperer’ film. The main Boulder River is just half a mile down a gravel road while the East Boulder flows along the edge of the lodge. The lodge comprises two cabins and a games room. The smaller Bunkhouse Cabin has three bedrooms, a living area, full kitchen and bathroom. The large Main Cabin has two bedrooms and two bathrooms as well as a larger kitchen, boot room and wader room. Each cabin has a wood stove. Overall, the Outpost can accommodate eight anglers and can be offered on an exclusive basis for a party of at least three anglers at no extra cost. The guides and chef stay at the property as well. Guests will enjoy hearty breakfasts, picnic style lunches and multi-course dinners.

Exquisite Montana

The Boulder River slices through Montana’s highest mountains with the Beartooths to the east and the Absarokas to the west. The Boulder River Outpost is located on the banks of the East Boulder river and just a 1/2 mile from the main Boulder and 20 miles from the Yellowstone.