Hometown: Nottingham, Pennsylvania
Guiding Since: 2017
Home Rivers: Bitterroot & Missouri
Boats: Adipose Flow Skiff & NRS Dodger Raft
Days on the Water: 225+
Rob Fontaine’s journey to Montana began in 2017 when he moved west for school, but it didn’t take long for the rivers to capture his full attention. Before he knew it, he was spending more time on the water than in the classroom, trading textbooks for fly rods and lessons in hydrology for hands-on experience with trout behavior. That obsession turned into a career, and now, he spends over 225 days a year guiding anglers through some of the most breathtaking and productive fisheries in Montana.
Rob specializes in guiding on the Bitterroot and Missouri Rivers, two iconic waterways that offer world-class dry fly fishing. Whether drifting in his Adipose Flow Skiff or maneuvering through technical water in his NRS Dodger Raft, he knows how to put clients in the best possible position to hook into wild Montana trout. His guiding philosophy is all about sharing his passion for the sport, creating unforgettable experiences, and helping anglers refine their skills—whether it’s their first time throwing a fly or their thousandth.
One of Rob’s favorite times of year is late May through early June, when the rivers are high and the side channels open up, creating a playground for big golden stoneflies and aggressive trout. It’s the kind of fishing that makes your pulse quicken—a perfect blend of strategy, patience, and excitement as you watch a big cutthroat rise to a well-placed dry fly.
Beyond the fishing, Rob loves the people he meets along the way. Whether it’s a seasoned angler with stories to share or someone discovering the magic of fly fishing for the first time, he values the connections built on the water. And after a long day of floating and casting, you might just find him unwinding at the Bitterroot Brewery—if you go, be sure to ask for Emma!
Join Rob for a day on the water and experience Montana fly fishing at its finest!
