B.R.O. Rowing & Fly Fishing School
April 23-25 2027School & Instruction

B.R.O. Rowing & Fly Fishing School

Developing Exceptional Skills and Strategies for both Rowing and Fishing

Length3 Days
PriceFrom $1,795
Skill levelAll Levels
SeasonApril
From $1,795

3 days - $1795; 3 days with lodging - $2495

Or call (406) 542-7411
The trip

Developing Exceptional Skills and Strategies for both Rowing and Fishing

Each year several folks enroll in our guide school with a desire to improve their boat handling and angling prowess but with no intention of becoming guides. They simply want to row safer and effectively and be more productive while fishing from boats. BRO’s Rowing & Fly Fishing School eliminates the guide/client component of float fishing. We concentrate on the strategies and techniques required to become proficient at boat handling and positioning for anglers in addition to teaching the varied critical fly fishing skills from a river boat.

BRO Rowing & Fly Fishing School is not a fly fishing 101 class, though we do offer beginner half and full day classes through the shop. For this school we expect you’ll have a basic understanding of fly fishing but we don’t expect you to have any rowing experience. This ensures that we are spending the necessary time on rowing skills and boat angling techniques rather than basic casting and knot instructions.

Our outfitter and lead instructor’s guiding experience spans 34 years. Blackfoot River Outfitters Rowing & Fly Fishing School staff is second to none with decades of cumulative experience. We maintain a two students to one instructor ratio, assuring our enrollees remarkable practical attention. Our instructors are fun, energetic, passionate professional fly fishing guides who are eager to share their expertise. If you want to up your float fishing and rowing game take a minute right now and sign up for one of our Rowing & Fly Fishing Schools.

Day by day

How the Day Goes

Dates

Spring: April 23-25 2027

Blackfoot River Outfitters Three Day RFF School Itinerary

Day 1 - Introductions, school format description, boat rigging, river safety discussion, river float, fishing and rowing training.

Day 2 - Float fishing and rowing training, boat angling and positioning required for varying techniques for dry flies, nymphs, streamers.

Day 3 - Further nuanced float angling and rowing strategies on the water. Evaluations for each participant detailing rowing and angling proficiency, safety skill level assessment and suggested river stretches on which to continue their learning.

What you'll learn

Rowing & Fly Fishing Skills

Boat rigging and rowing expertise

  • Trailering boats, backing trailers, loading/unloading boats, and access etiquette.
  • Know your accessories and proper rigging, oar/blade position, anchors, seats, leg locks, throw bags.
  • Safety on the water and river rescue techniques.
  • Rowing strokes including push, pull, right/left turn, double oar turn, crab crawl, feathering.
  • Rowing techniques for fishing two anglers as well as singles.
  • Rowing techniques for Class II whitewater (This isn’t a whitewater school.).
  • How to fish the flies from the rowers seat.

Fly fishing from boats aptitude

  • Rigging rods, fly lines, leaders, tippet and flies specifically for boat angling.
  • Angling gear organization in the boat for efficiency.
  • Fly selection - the where and why of selecting one fly over another.
  • Casting from boats - overhead, “James Dean”, roll, backhand and the open loop.
  • Line manipulation - mending, reach-mend, swinging, stripping, and “fishing with the boat”.
  • Landing/handling fish from boats including touchless techniques with hook releaser and with net, minimal impact technique for fish pics.
Know before you go

What's Included

Included

  • Travel to and from river each day
  • Lunch each day
  • Use of our boats
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Outfitter discounted rate at local hotels

Not included

  • Travel to and from Missoula, Montana
  • Montana fishing license
  • Personal fly fishing equipment and clothing
  • Lodging and food (other than that listed above)

See the full what-to-bring list

Photo gallery

On the Water

How it works

Booking Your Trip

  1. Book

    Reserve your dates online or by phone.

  2. Get licensed

    Sign your waivers and buy a Montana fishing license.

  3. Prepare & pack

    Follow our packing list and gear recommendations so you're ready.

  4. Show up & fish

    Meet your guide and enjoy the day. Everything else is taken care of.

★★★★★
Our guided trip with Blackfoot River Outfitters was phenomenal! Our guide's expertise and passion made the day unforgettable as we caught more fish than we imagined and soaked in Montana's breathtaking scenery. If you're considering a guided fishing trip, trust B.R.O. to exceed your expectations!
— Andy RTripadvisor

Tailored experiences for all levels

Whether you're a novice or a pro, we've got you covered

All of our trips are customized and tailored to meet your goals and experience level. We ensure every adventure is unique and personalized, making your fly fishing dreams come true, no matter your skill level.

  • Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice
  • Best of Missoula 2023
  • Best of Missoula 2022
  • Best of Missoula 2021

More than just a fishing trip

At Blackfoot River Outfitters, we offer a personal and intimate fly fishing adventure tailored just for you. Unlike charter services with large groups, our trips ensure individual attention and customization. Whether you seek solitude, family bonding, or an adventure with friends, our expert guides make your trip truly memorable.

Questions about this trip? Ask a guide.

Tell us when you're coming, who's fishing, and what you want out of the day. We'll match you to the right water, the right guide, and the right trip, usually within one business day.

(406) 542-7411

Shop open Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat & Sun 9am–5pm (Mountain)