Southwest Montana's premier full-service fly shop
Fly fish the world-famous Beaverhead and Big Hole Rivers. Drift boat guided fly fishing out of Dillon, Montana.
Dillon's best fly shop
A full-service fly shop, open year-round
Frontier Anglers is Southwest Montana's premier full-service fly shop. Open year-round, we offer the finest in equipment, tackle, and apparel for all of your fly fishing needs. We pride ourselves on carrying the best selection of flies in town — and above all, you'll find excellent service and qualified, knowledgeable professionals at our shop in Dillon, Montana.
For more than 40 years we've been providing guided fly fishing, top quality rods, reels, and waders, gifts and apparel, fly tying supplies, local lodging, and far-flung angling destinations — all with a dose of good old fashioned Western hospitality.
Whether you're interested in fishing some of the best water in the state with experienced professional guides or just need a little advice and a few hot flies for your day on the water, Frontier Anglers is your ultimate fly fishing resource.
Serving anglers since
1977
Guided fly fishing
Come float and fish with our crew
We guide the upper Jefferson river drainage — including the Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers — and we also guide the Madison. That range of options lets us send anglers to the best stretch of river for the day's conditions rather than the one we happen to be booked on.
Daily rates are based on 1–2 anglers and include a licensed Frontier Anglers professional guide, a streamside lunch from the Frontier Anglers Kitchen, and non-alcoholic beverages. Gratuity and fishing licenses are not included.
Most bookedFull Day Guided Float
Starting at $750
A full day in the drift boat for one or two anglers on the Beaverhead, Big Hole, Jefferson, or Madison. Includes your licensed guide, streamside lunch from our kitchen, and all the local knowledge that comes with 40+ seasons on this water. Excludes fishing license, gratuity, and booking fee.
Before May 15Early Spring Special — $100 Off
Starting at $650
Book before May 15th and enjoy more solitude on the river. Early spring is a great time of year for big hungry brown trout as they emerge from winter with an appetite — streamers and some dry fly opportunities provide some of the best fishing of the year.
Private Water
Rod fee $125 per angler, per day
Some of the best private water fishing in Montana, including Wheat's Lake — a 21-acre stillwater full of big browns and rainbows, plus access to over two miles of the Beaverhead. Some waters require a guide; ask when you reserve. These book early.
World-class angling
The waters we fish
Southwest Montana sits at the center of the finest trout fishing in the lower forty-eight. We have 250-plus miles of floatable water within a short distance of our home base in Dillon, plus countless miles of small streams and a plethora of stillwater fisheries.
The crew
Meet our guides
Looking for the best guided fly fishing trip in Montana? Our guides are professional, patient, knowledgeable, and above all, tons of fun to spend a day on the water with.
Shaun Jeszenka
Owner · MT Licensed Outfitter #4442
Originally from Missoula, MT, Shaun has been an outfitter and guide for over 36 years in Southwest Montana. Shaun became the new owner of Frontier Anglers in January of 2019. He continues to spend most of his days on the water and hosts trips to destinations around the world.
Read Shaun's story
Joe Aanes
Guide
Joe Aanes is one of the most vetted guides in the state of Montana. With endless hours spent on the river, Joe provides his clients with an endless knowledge of fisheries — he's truly a trout whisperer. When not on the river, Joe spends his time tending to his beautiful garden.
Read Joe's story
Dan Bonar
Guide
Dan is from southwest Nebraska, where he grew up fishing and hunting with his family. In his early 20s, Dan moved to Alaska and caught the fly fishing bug. He worked and guided the next seven years in Alaska and Colorado before moving to Montana. Dan has been a staple here at Frontier Anglers for years now — one of those guides with unlimited patience, a great attitude, and a smile you won't soon forget.
Read Dan's story
Joseph Lema
Guide
Joseph came to us from California via the Montana Western football team, where he was an all-conference punter. Fly fishing brought him to us, where — like so many do — he first worked in the shop and then guided for us. After earning his degree in 2022 he decided to stay on and guide, and we're glad he did.
Read Joseph's story
Will Larson
Guide
Born in Missoula and most recently a graduate of Montana Western here in Dillon, Will has stayed on to guide with us and we hope he never leaves. Will can be found fishing year round, often before or after work, as well as all winter drilling holes through the ice. He's a hard worker and a knowledgeable native Montana fishing guide.
Read Will's story
Colin Crawford
Guide
Raised in Northern California, Colin moved to Montana in 2018 to study fisheries biology at the University of Montana. After graduating and working a few seasons as a fisheries technician for Idaho Fish and Game, he realized Montana was home. Colin moved to Dillon in the spring of 2024 to work in the shop and moved up the ladder to guiding. On a day off you'll find him floating and honing his craft on our surrounding waters.
Read Colin's story
Noah Wilson
Guide
Born and raised in the Central Valley of California, Noah moved to Dillon in search of some great fishing. When not guiding he's on the river with his wife and daughter.
Read Noah's storyFrom the river
What our clients say
“I have known and fished with Shaun for more than 15 years on various rivers in Montana. Shaun's knowledge and enthusiasm for fishing and the mechanics of casting are unsurpassed. Shaun knows the habits of trout and the best flies for each river. Frontier Anglers, under his leadership, has an inventory of all the flies and equipment necessary for success. A day trip on the river with the folks from Frontier Anglers is truly a memorable experience.”
“I have been fishing with Shaun every year for almost 20 years and have not fished with a better guide in Southwest Montana. I have lost track of how many great fish my friends and I have caught over the years with him. He works very hard to put you on fish, create a memorable experience, and help to make you a better fly fisherman. He has helped me organize large and small groups, and now that he has taken the helm at Frontier Anglers, things will be even better. The fly shop has the best selection of flies that work on the nearby rivers and gear to help with your trip.”
“Beaverhead, Big Hole, Madison, Jefferson, a small stream or a large river — it really doesn't matter, and I'm not sure there is a body of water Shaun doesn't have knowledge of. When he took over Frontier Anglers, he took an already established Montana fixture and added immediate credibility to the type of guides, gear, and experiences you are sure to get every time you interact. If you want the real Montana fly fishing experience you are a fool if you do not go see Shaun at Frontier!”
“I was fortunate enough to have my first fly fishing experience in Southwest Montana over 20 years ago with Shaun. Since then I have yet to fish with another guide and have continued to fish with Shaun multiple times every single year. It's hard to call it “once in a lifetime” fishing because it keeps happening year after year. Shaun is simply the best. His knowledge of the rivers is second to none and he will do whatever it takes to put you on the fish.”
“Shaun and Frontier Anglers are a first class outfit. The shop has all of your fishing and clothing needs at a reasonable price with exceptionally friendly service. Shaun is an outstanding outfitter, not to mention very professional. He makes every expedition fun and has a lifetime of knowledge of the outdoors and rivers of Montana. I highly recommend him and can't wait to return to catch some more big fish!”
“I have been traveling from SC to Montana for some time now to fly fish — Frontier Anglers has always been my favorite fly shop, from inventory to information. Shaun has always taken very good care of us. His guide service and knowledge are unsurpassed. Tight lines!”
From the river
Latest fishing reports
Listen
The Frontier Anglers podcast
Owner Shaun Jeszenka on Southwest Montana water, hatches, and what it takes to run a fly shop for four decades. Also catch Shaun talking Dillon fishing with Dave Stewart on the Wet Fly Swing podcast.
Listen on Buzzsprout
Our fly shop
Come see us in Dillon
We're on N Montana Street, open seven days a week through the season. Stop in for flies that are actually working this week, a licence, or an honest read on where to go.
Hours
Book your trip today
Expert guides and premier waters — the perfect combination for an epic fishing trip. Please reserve your dates early to ensure space.