Three easy trophy trout trips this summer that won't break the bank

Your next affordable summer trout trip is just a click away

For those of us dutifully trudging through “mud season” in the Rockies, that first summer trout trip seems impossibly far away. Yet another blustery spring day that features everything from blinding sunshine to wind-pushed snow pellets to a short-lived, yet dramatic, hailstorm is slowly ticking by. It’s official. This winter feels like it will never end. 

But… it will end. And soon. In fact, it will end before we know it. And, if you haven’t booked your summer trout trip yet, you need to. Lodge rooms are filling up and prime dates are already scarce. The good news? We have three great trout trips — two domestic and one in Canada — that are incredibly affordable. And the fishing? It can be amazing. Check it out:

On DeMark Lodge

The Missouri River, Montana

The cozy confines of On DeMark Lodge amount to the absolutely perfect place to stay when you go head-hunting on Montana’s Missouri River. Let’s not beat around the bush. During high season, the Missouri is a trout rodeo, and the towns of Craig and Cascade are bustling with guides and clients who have embraced the chaos that arrives to this normally chill swath of Montana. On the river, thankfully, the Missouri maintains its resiliency — despite the summer pressure, it still offers up trophy trout every single day. And that’s likely because it’s just so productive. From the dam below Holter Lake well past Cascade some 30 miles downriver, the Missouri is a trout factory. Some stretches of the river boast 6,000 fish per mile. Yes. You read that correctly. But, can you get away from the crowds? On the river, it’s tough, especially during high season. But, at On DeMark Lodge? Absolutely. After a day spent casting at rising trout, you’ll retire to the lodge for an appetizer, a cocktail (or two) and a home-cooked meal courtesy of Becky DeMark. Put your feet up. Relax. Think about the revenge you’ll seek the next day when you find that big brown that kept refusing your fly all afternoon. It’s a wonderful place and … it won’t break the bank. Check out these incredible rates (double occupancy): 

• 3 nights/2 days guided fishing: $2,100 per angler
• 4 nights/3 days guided fishing: $2,800 per angler
• 5 nights/4 days guided fishing: $3,500 per angler
• 6 nights/5 days guided fishing: $4,200 per angler

BOOK NOW

Linehan Outfitting Co.

The Kootenai and Yaak rivers, Montana

Northwest Montana is the Treasure State’s least-visited region, and nobody really knows why. It’s likely the most ecologically intact area in Montana, and the fishing on the Yaak and Kootenai rivers is excellent. Based in Libby, Tim and Joanne Linehan and Linehan Outfitting Co. have outfitted hunters and anglers in this wild corner of Montana for decades — nobody does what they do any better, and a trip with Tim or one of his guides down either of these incredible rivers is quite the experience. The best part? While other anglers will be battling the crowds on the Madison or the Yellowstone, you’ll be fishing every run and every hole on the Kootenai for its tailwalking redbands and big browns. Later in the summer, you might even bump into a massive 30-inch bull trout. And, regardless of when you fish, you may not see another boat. Seriously. It’s as if Montana is trying to keep this part of the state a secret. With outstanding fishing and gorgeous northern Rockies scenery, the Yaak Country of Montana is definitely worth a visit. And the rates? If you book a cabin package and use the kitchen or the grill, you’ll be surprised how affordable a trip to Montana can be. See for yourself:

• 4 nights/3 days guided fishing: $3,750 for two anglers; $1,875 each
• 5 nights/4 days guided fishing: $4,850 for two anglers; $2,425 each
• 6 nights/5 days guided fishing: $5,950 for two anglers; $2,974 each

BOOK NOW

Dalton Trail Lodge

The Yukon Territory, Canada

An affordable fishing trip to the Yukon? Yes. Our great partners at Dalton Trail Lodge offer one of the best bargains in fishing and adventure travel. Not only a great destination for season-long lake trout, rainbow trout, grayling and northern pike, but also a great destination for non-anglers who might like to see the wonders of Kluane National Park, take in the history of the storied Klondike gold rush, take a boat tour on the stunning Kathleen Lake or hike amid some of the most stunning scenery in North America. But perhaps the best part about Dalton Trail Lodge? The September lake-trout run, when the big char native to the southern Yukon run up area rivers and streams on their annual migration. These fish are generally in the 8- to 15-pound range, but bigger specimens are caught every year. What’s more, anglers visiting Dalton Trail can purchase a hybrid package and spend a few days with a guide, and then a day or two on their own — the discounts are amazing, and they make a trip to the far north even more affordable. We still have room for solo anglers (no single-angler surcharge!) and couples or groups between Sept. 14-28, 2025. Here’s what we’re talking about: 

• 7 nights/6 days guided fishing: $5,500
• 7 nights/5 days guided fishing/1 day DIY: $5,180
• 7 nights/4 days guided fishing/2 days DIY: $4,800
• 7 nights/3 days guided fishing/3 days DIY: $4,500
• 7 nights/2 days guided fishing/4 days DIY: $4,200
• 7 nights/1 day guided fishing/5 days DIY: $3,900

BOOK NOW