Blast N Cast Outfitters

Blast N Cast Outfitters operates out of Ennis, Montana (Outfitter #727) as a combined fly fishing and hunting guide service. Todd France runs the operation with experienced guides covering three main service areas: river fishing trips, big game hunting, and waterfowl/upland bird hunts.

The flagship offering is 5-day/4-night Smith River floats in the Lewis and Clark National Forest. The Smith is a 58-mile stretch of pristine canyon water with strict federal and state regulations limiting annual visitors. This isn't a guided fishing hole—it's a full expedition down a remote trout stream with camps established each night, professional support crew, and accommodations that include one night at Heaven on Earth Guest Ranch (complete with hot showers, golf course, and chef-prepared meals).

Smith River pricing: $5,300/person (May-July) without lodging; $5,700/person with one night at Heaven on Earth Ranch. Book 12 months out for dates. The season runs late April through mid-July.

Fishing conditions vary by season. Early May sees streamers and nymphs producing 20"-plus trout. Mid-May to early June is the Salmon Fly hatch window—a 7-10 day cycle where big trout go aggressive for size 4 flies. By mid-June, dry fly fishing becomes primary. Stone flies, caddis, mayflies, hoppers, and cicadas keep rotation through summer. Wildlife viewings include Canada geese, elk, deer, river otters, beaver, and black bears in the canyon.

Day fishing trips on Madison River (famous for salmon fly, golden/nocturnal stonefly, and August terrestrial hatches), Big Hole & Beaverhead Rivers (restricted permits held for both, known for epic salmon fly and rare cranefly hatches), Jefferson River (trophy streamer fishing for brown trout), and Yellowstone River (native cutthroat and dry-fly opportunity in Paradise Valley).

Overnight trips (2 days/1 night) available on Big Hole, Beaverhead, and Yellowstone. Spin fishing and fly fishing both accommodated.

Elk hunts run through Teepee Creek Outfitters (Brian Roberts, head guide: 406-570-9675, [email protected]). Two models:

Tepee Basin Backcountry (Archery & Rifle): High-elevation wilderness hunts in Beaverhead National Forest (8,900-foot wall tent camp). Only area closed to motorized vehicles after Sept 1 in the Gravelly Range. High bull-to-cow ratios mean large herds with 10-12 mature bulls common during the rut. Daily elk encounters expected. Also hunt black bear and mule deer. Requires solid fitness.

Private Lease Hunts (Madison Valley): Hunt elk, whitetail deer, mule deer, and antelope on same trip. Hunt from stands, spot-and-stalk, or creep creek bottoms. Fair-chase—animals move freely between bedding and food sources. Terrain ranges from swampy whitetail stands to open antelope prairies to elk foothills. Also offer limited special big game licenses for kids at discounted rates.

Rifle and archery options available. Big game hunting is currently sold out; contact Teepee Creek Outfitters for future availability.

Waterfowl hunts target big mallards and Canada geese over decoys (occasionally jump-shoot). Madison Valley locations near Ennis with miles of spring creeks, canals, potholes, and ponds. Species include mallards, Canada geese, snow geese, teal, widgeon, pintails, gadwall, and goldeneyes. Season runs late September through mid-January; limit of cleaned birds common by weekend kickoff. Professional dogs from local kennels provided; bring your own if preferred.

Combo option: "Madison River Blast and Cast"—hunt waterfowl in morning, fly fish Madison River afternoon ($550/person/day). Works well in October; after mid-November, weather typically turns out fishermen.

Waterfowl pricing: $400/person for guided hunts (2+ people); Beaverhead jump shoot $900/boat (2 people) or $600/person (1 person).

Hungarian Partridge (wild coveys of 15+ birds) and occasional pheasants. Season starts early September (grouse/partridge), adds pheasants in October, runs through mid-December. Chasing partridge miles requires comfortable boots. Birds range from tight-holding to jumpy. Bring your own dog or use theirs; they'll leave their dogs home if requested.

Upland pricing: $400/person (2+ people).

Coming soon: pheasant and chukar hunting.

Guides provide detailed packing lists for each trip type. For fly fishing: 9-foot #4 and #6 rods/reels, polarized sunglasses (amber and brown pairs), leaders, favorite trout flies, waders, wading sandals, rain gear. For hunting: quality boots (Gortex insulated, above-ankle), camo clothing in layers, binoculars, hunting knife, water bottles, sleeping bag.