Meet Your Outfitter
Passionate guiding dedicated to your success on the river.
Jason Brininstool
I grew up in central Virginia with a Zebco in hand, rubber worms, and anything else bass, bluegill, catfish, etc., would eat. What started as a childhood obsession with a variety of fish species in the mid-Atlantic became a lifelong pursuit — and eventually, a career spent sharing these rivers with anyone willing to get in the boat. The only difference now (and over the last 30+ years of my life), is the craft and hunt are done with fly rods in both fresh and saltwater.
Over more than two decades on the water, I have developed a deep knowledge and respect for the rivers around Missoula, as well as rivers I have guided throughout the years (the Smith, Missouri, South Fork Flathead, Jefferson, Big Hole, Rock Creek, etc). The knowledge gained on my own, with friends, and clients that are now friends, has allowed me to make a modest living while sharing from those experiences. Sixteen years in and I enjoy it as much, or even more, than I did when I first started this lifestyle after years working in the mountains as a backcountry guide and USFS backcountry ranger.
My guiding style still very much centers on education, a conservation based approach, and an ethical view of the freestone fisheries that span three hundred plus miles here in the Missoula Valley. Every client, whether they’ve never held a fly rod or they’ve fished for forty years or more, leaves the boat knowing something they didn’t before. That commitment to teaching — not just catching — is what brings my clients back year after year. Sure, production is part of the equation, but the whole package, the experience, and what makes this region special, and historically significant, in the fly fishing world are equally important elements. I have proudly called this valley home for over twenty years and carry an M.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana, and I look forward to sharing my connection to place, the watershed, and the ecosystem with the folks that spend time with me between the gunnels throughout the season.
16
4
Licensed
What You Can Expect on the Water
Deep River Knowledge
Jason has spent thousands of days on the Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Bitterroot, and Missouri. He knows which runs hold fish in high water, where the browns stack up during the Skwala hatch, and how the Clark Fork fishes differently in fall versus summer..
Patient, Practical Instruction
All-In Commitment
Fully Licensed & Certified
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Licensed Montana Outfitter
Fully licensed by the Montana Board of Outfitters to operate as a commercial fishing guide service.
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Wilderness First Responder/CPR Certified
Current certification in CPR and a Wilderness First Responder. Your safety on the water is always the top priority.
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20+ Years Rowing Experience
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Leave No Trace
Committed to barbless, catch-and-release practices, and river stewardship, pack it in/pack it out on every outing.
On the Water with Jason
Fish with Someone Who Knows These Rivers by Putting in the Time to Master the Craft
Jason guides a limited number of trips each season to ensure every client gets undivided attention. Spots fill early — especially spring, early summer, and fall.