The Chase for Montana Trout with Atlas Outfitting

Sometimes the best connections come when you least expect them. Earlier this year, Chris and I met Ikaika and Kalama from Atlas Outfitters at the Vancouver Sportsman Show—one of the few real highlights of that event. These two Montana fly fishing guides were on the hunt for quality fly rods and a company that shared their same vision: exceptional customer service, top-tier products, and a personable, down-to-earth approach.

After some back and forth, showing them what we offer and talking shop, we hatched a plan. We’d load up the truck and camper, bring along some of our Titanium Fly rods and our new Carbon series, and head over to Montana so they could experience the rods firsthand on their home waters.

The Journey Over

On May 24th, Chris and I hit the road. Day one took us just west of Missoula, where we pulled off I-90 and crashed at a rest stop for the night. Day two started with breakfast in the camper and a plan to fish Rock Creek before meeting up with Kalama the following day. We stopped by a fly shop in Philipsburg, rolled the dice, and tried our luck on some Montana trout water.

Though we struggled to find the perfect spot, we eventually decided to just get out, stretch our legs, and cast a few flies. Later that evening, we pushed on and set up camp along the Big Hole River—just in time to fish before dark. Chris headed upriver while I explored downstream. A few casts in, we were both on the board with our first Montana rainbows, even if mine was about the size of my pinky.

Fishing with Kalama on the Big Hole

The next morning, we discovered one of the best things about late spring fly fishing in Montana: no 4 AM wake-ups. We met Kalama at 9 AM at the boat launch, and he greeted us with a huge smile that immediately set the tone. His energy is contagious—he can get anyone pumped up for a day on the water.

We floated a beautiful stretch of the Big Hole. Chris was running one of our Titanium 5-weights, and I was fishing my newly built 6-weight Carbon. Not even 100 yards from the ramp, Chris’s bobber disappeared, and he landed a nice Montana brown. We found steady action, with several downed bobbers and fish to the net.

Lunch was a standout moment. Kalama and his brother set up a table and chairs right on the bank and treated us to some incredible local food. We wrapped up the day floating through a canyon section that was absolutely stunning. It was a great first day—big smiles, fish caught, and growing confidence in how the rods were performing.

Lower Missouri Challenges

Day two had us on the lower Missouri with Kalama. We started off in a big pool below a dam, trying to figure out what the trout were feeding on. When that didn’t pan out, we began drifting downstream. Not long after, Chris hooked into a beautiful 21” Missouri rainbow.

The rest of the day was tough. We had to grind for every bite, and the wind didn’t help. I was struggling with the Carbon—turns out it’s better suited for experienced casters, especially when you’re throwing extra weight. After lunch, I swapped to the Titanium, and everything clicked. It gave me a chance to really understand where the rod loads and how it responds, which was awesome. We still had to work hard for every fish, but managed to pick up a few more before wrapping up the day. Somewhere along the line, I also earned the nickname “Whitey King” because my fly seemed to be a magnet for mountain whitefish.

Land of Giants with Ikaika

Day three was our final day, and we were stoked to fish with Ikaika on the “Land of Giants,” a stretch of the upper Missouri known for its big trout. For a guy used to small streams back in Western Washington, hearing that the average fish was around 21” was mind-blowing.

Floating through that canyon—with towering rock walls, green trees clinging to cliffs, and the occasional deer or bighorn sheep—was unforgettable. I was fishing my 6-weight Titanium paired with my Galvan Torque reel, the perfect setup for these hefty Missouri fish. Not long into the drift, I hooked into a healthy 23” rainbow. That was exactly what we came for.

                   

Later, we moved into a lake section where Chris absolutely crushed it, hooking fish after fish. It turned into a banner day for us, and getting to see how our rods performed under those conditions was just the icing on the cake.

Wrapping It Up

Throughout the trip, Ikaika and Kalama’s hospitality was second to none. They’re not just top-notch guides—they’re the kind of people you feel lucky to spend a boat day with. I’d recommend Atlas Outfitters in a heartbeat to anyone looking for a Montana fly fishing adventure.

We left with incredible memories: beautiful fish, wild Montana scenery, a better understanding of our fly rods, and two new friends. What a trip. Can’t wait to do it again.