Meet Your Host & Outfitter

Mike Hillygus

Mike Hillygus (aka Hilly, Gus or anything with four letters) is a Taft California native, from 8 years old until 22 (1968-1982). He spent his summers on Wyoming’s Miracle Mile (2 weeks), Idaho’s Henry’s Fork, the Box Canyon (2wks), and finished up on the Madison for a month. So when Mike and wife Pam moved to Missoula, Montana in 1987 it was no surprise he put his culinary & teaching talents to work as an outfitter in the summer of 1994, and the rest is history.

High Plains Drifter has had permits on six different rivers, including a 17 year run on the fabled Smith River. Mike opened the Stillwater River Outpost in 2006 and followed up with the Clark Fork Outpost in 2013, he may be the only outfitter in the state with 2 lodges. (You might want to fact check this…fake news and all)

  • Boat: I live in a 1996 14′ North West Drifter made by Clackacraft, it’s the best boat on the river and of course they don’t make it anymore!
  • Favorite Fly to Guide With: The one and only MFC Bullethead Skwalla.
  • Favorite Fly to Fish: Any Streamer/ bigger=better
  • Favorite Water: The Stillwater, because it is anything but still and provides so many opportunities.
  • Favorite Type of Fishing: Saltwater…East Cape of Baja
  • Favorite Fish: The man, Roosterfish
  • Biggest Fish Lost: Tarpon 90+ looked big enough to saddle and ride.
  • Dream Destination: Any place that is sunny, salty and warm.
  • When Not Fishing: Hunting birds with my English Labs in Nevada, Idaho, and Arizona.
  • And one time a client asked me: “Will the river take us back to the car?”

Rates

and other details

MULTI-DAY FISHING WITH CLARK FORK OUTPOST ACCOMMODATIONS

  • 3 days/4 nights $2,850 per person
  • 4 days/5 nights $3,800 per person
  • 5 days/6 nights $5,750 per person
  • Includes: Lodging, meals, beer & wine, guides, gear, and airport shuttles.
  • Not included: Montana fishing license (purchase here).

WE ALSO OFFER SINGLE DAY FISHING ADVENTURES

  • $575 for 1 or 2 anglers.
  • Includes guide, flies, lunch, beverages, and as much fun as you can have in a day!

DEPOSIT & CANCELLATION POLICY

The High Plains Drifter staff, in correspondence and conversation with you, will do their best to convey the most up-to-date information about which dates are available for your group. However, the reality of the boutique nature of the fishing adventure world dictates that we cannot hold dates for you without a deposit. Most sporting seasons generate interest from several parties for every available opportunity. Until a 50% deposit is received in the office, the dates that you desire to schedule for your trip will still be available for other HPD clients.

Likewise, because the trips we offer often require a great deal of planning, preparation, and scheduling on behalf of the participant, they are not items that can be readily resold on short notice. Your 50% deposit is non-refundable. Deposits cannot be used for alternative dates for trips. Payment in full is due 90 days before the scheduled departure date for your trip. Failure to make payment in full by that date is evidence to High Plains Drifter that you do not intend to complete the trip and we will release your dates and attempt to resell them. Parties who arrive with fewer members than are actually booked will be charged for the number of guests booked at the time of reservation.

An experienced angler knows that the best-planned trip can be impacted by the unexpected, that’s why we recommend travel insurance to protect your financial investment. This valuable protection covers trip cancellation for any reason, medical evacuation, sporting equipment coverage and more. It is reasonably priced at about $150 per person for a $3000 trip. To purchase this insurance or learn more visit www.travelguard.com or call 1-800-826-1300.

GRATUITIES

Gratuities are at your discretion. The following are guidelines. For guides, we suggest $50 per guest, per day. We prefer you tip them directly. For lodge staff, $20 per guest, per day. This can be left with your final bill.

Stillwater River Outpost

High Plains Drifter also operates the Stillwater River Outpost near Absarokee, Montana. The Stillwater River Outpost is located in a secluded part of Montana, this is a big state and it is full of trout, but this little section of it is something special. If you are interested in trying out fly fishing for the first time or just interested in fishing a new river, then we have something for you. The size and type of river is different from the Clark Fork, but it still includes that special High Plains Drifter touch.