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The 2025 Montana Casting Co. Fly Fishing Gift Guide


Giving the Gift of Fly Fishing

Finding the right gift for your loved ones, buddies, and the odd White Elephant gift exchange can be challenging. Finding the right gift for a discerning fly fisherman can be even more so. Let’s face it. Gear junkies are hard to shop for.

But we’re also of the firm opinion that there are few gifts more meaningful than the sort that encourages someone to get out in nature. True, we’re probably biased. But on the chance that you agree, we’ve put together some suggestions for what Montana Casting Co. products might be best suited for the various types of anglers in your life.

Gift Cards: The Best Promotion Available Anywhere!

For a limited time, buy a $100 Gift Card and we will give you a Free $25 Gift Card. This is a big sale! Buy any gift card from our website, and we will give you a second gift card FREE, worth 25% of your gift card purchase! Gift Cards can be used on all our products and do not expire! This is the best Gift Card promotion available anywhere, but hurry; it’s only available for a limited time. Gift it or spend it—the choice is up to you. Happy Holidays!

Gifts for That Special Someone:

Custom Fly Rod

Built by hand in Helena, Montana, few things say “I love you” like a one-of-a-kind, built-to-order, custom fly rod. Not sure what all “custom” entails? You can learn more on our Custom Fly rods page or (even better), give us a ring at 406-285-1452. Regardless of how experienced you are, Scott can walk you through the process and help you design the perfect rod. For the holidays, we’re also offering discounted prices and the promise of speedy fulfillment, but you’ll need to place your order by December 10th if you want to ensure your rod arrives before Christmas. That said, slots are limited—don’t wait to order!

Custom Fly Fishing Rod with Elite 406 Fly Reel

Order a Custom Rod

Build a Complete Fly Fishing Outfit

Rod, reel, line... If you aim to give the gift of fly fishing, why not gift the complete package? If you're not sure which fly rod and reel combo will be best, give us a call at 406-285-1452. We’re always happy to answer your questions! As a bonus, Outfits are always offered at a 15% off discount.

Patagonia Series I Fly Rod Outfit

Build a Fly Rod Outfit

The Warm Springs Fly Rod

The Warm Springs is our top-shelf rod for a reason. Offering smooth, powerful casting and unparalleled feel, this rod is a true joy to cast. Discerning fly fishermen will appreciate the Warm Springs’ versatility and sensitivity; the less experienced will find much of the physical work is done for them—allowing them to focus on technique rather than power. If you want a rod that will outperform expectations in almost every scenario, we're confident this one won't let you (or your loved ones) down.

Woman Casting a Fly Rod

Shop the Warm Springs

How to Shop for the Hardcore Fly Angler

The Dearborn Fly Rod

With its high-octane fast action, the Dearborn offers turbo-charged line speeds that the seasoned fly fisherman will be able to take full advantage of. It is also uniquely versatile—that same action allows the Dearborn to serve as a “two-line” rod: fish a 5wt for some dry fly action on a high mountain lake, then overline the same rod with a 6wt line to drive heavy nymphs through the wind. Coupled with corrosion-resistant materials, this rod is ready for just about any environment, fresh water or saltwater, the hardcore fly angler might take it.

Man with Trout on a Dearborn Fly Rod

Shop the Dearborn

The Elite 406 Fly Reel

A reel that’s been called “bullet proof” by one of our customers, the Elite 406 can take a serious beating—perfect for backcountry bushwhacking or demanding salt flats adventures. A large arbor, micro-adjustable disc-drag system, and precisely counter-weighted spool gives you more power when facing off with truly monstrous fish. Plus, it just looks really slick alongside the Dearborn.

Elite 406 Fly Fishing Reel in River

Shop the Elite 406 Reel

All-Season Apparel

If you know a fellow fly fisher who hits the river rain, snow, or shine, then some all-season apparel can’t hurt. Our moisture-wicking, UV-protective Sea Threads Hoodies can be used to layer up in the cooler months or keep the sun off in the warmer. Paired with one of our new trout-patterned Drift Belts, you’ve got a spiffy look for on and off the river.

Back of Navy Blue Montana and Logo Hoodie by Sea Threads

Shop Hoodies

Fly Fishing Gear Upgrades for the Weekend Hobbyist

The Craig Fly Rod

Light, packable, and ready for adventure, this four-piece rod is our go-to for landing feather-soft dry fly presentations. Know an angler in need of a good rod for packing into the backcountry? A 5 wt Craig weighs in at just 3 oz. Got a buddy who’s always wanted to feel like the Macleans in A River Runs Through It? With a butter-smooth medium action primed for beautiful, classic casts, we promise they’ll be one step closer. Regardless of skill level, this rod makes for a beautiful addition to any fly fisher’s quiver.

Fly Fishing with a Craig Fly Rod & Reel Combo

Shop the Craig

The Envy 406 Fly Fishing Reel

While we’re proud of the beautiful finishes that give this reel its distinct visual flare, we poured just as much heart into its inner workings. A sealed, multi-disc Teflon, cork, and carbon disc-drag system gives you all the power you’ll need in most fresh-water environments while also ensuring the gunk and grime that such adventures inevitably collect stays out. If you’re here to help someone upgrade their fly fishing game, it doesn’t get much better than the Envy 406.

Fly Fishing Rods and Reels

Shop the Envy 406 Reel

Multi-Use Fly Fishing Apparel

The weekend hobbyist needs a wardrobe that caters to a variety of interests, fly fishing among them. Our recommendations? Our Simms button downs are a versatile fit, offering UV protection in the outdoors and an extra pinch of class in business settings. If button downs aren’t the right fit, take a look at our selection of lucky hats. Everyone needs a lucky hat.

Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Button Down by Simms Closeup View

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Set Up the Enthusiastic Beginner Fly Fisher for Success

The Lite 406 Fly Fishing Reel

Gorgeous and functional, you’ll be hard pressed to find a reel of this quality at the price point we offer. While it lacks some of the beefier features of the Envy or Elite, the Lite 406’s feather-light appeal makes it a friendly beginner reel that still has some serious fish-wrangling capabilities. While a beginner may eventually want something with a larger arbor or a more finely tuned disc-drag system, they won’t outgrow this reel; it will remain a durable, lightweight addition to their arsenal, ideal for far-flung adventures and backcountry treks.

Fly Fishing Reel by Montana Casting Co.

Shop the Lite 406 Reel

The MC-38 Fly Line

For someone just starting to test the waters, the MC-38 line offers a happy compromise between more aggressive weight-forward tapers and lengthier tapers made for distance casting. The 38ft tapered head has an extra 30 grains on your standard fly line. That added punch of power will allow the beginner angler to feel their rod loading and give them the power to try a range of line lengths on the water.

Montana Casting Co. MC-38 Fly Line 1

Shop Fly Lines

Magnetic Fly Boxes and Keepers

Fiddling with tiny flies can be frustrating even for seasoned anglers, but remember what it was like to be a beginner: fumbling with unfamiliar knots or loosing flies to frequent snags. While there’s few contraptions we know of that can solve a beginner’s struggles with knots, a magnetic fly box or fly keeper like the Mag Grab Mini can help keep their flies organized and secure; it’s one less thing to worry about in a sport with lots of moving parts.

Montana Casting Co. Fly Box

Shop Magnetic Fly Boxes

River-Ready T-Shirts

Whether you’re shopping for a child, a spouse, or a buddy, you can give the beginner fly fisher an extra boost of excitement and confidence by helping them look the part of the “pro”—and we’ve got all kinds of fishy t-shirts and hoodies to choose from.

Scott and Cat Joyner Enjoy a Yellowstone Fly Fishing Trip

Shop T-Shirts

For the Hard-to-Please:

Gift Cards

If you don’t know what to get the gear-junkie in your life, let them choose. We’re running a special promotion all throughout the holiday season this year: buy a gift card in any of the available denominations and receive a second gift card FREE, worth 25% of the amount of your gift card purchase. You can gift that bonus card or keep it for yourself—either way you’ve got 25% more spending power when it comes to buying Christmas Gifts . Be sure to visit the gift card page for more details!

Learn More About Holiday Gift Cards

Useful Odds and Ends

Sometimes the best gift for the hard-to-shop-for angler is something small and practical. A good, durable rod case, some extra leaders, or a decal for their drift boat might be all you need to get a smile out of them this holiday season. For more ideas, check out our “Stocking Stuffers” section below.

Man Standing Near Drift Boat with Montana State Decal

Apparel for the Whole (Outdoorsy) Family:

If your family frequently finds themselves in the outdoors, it never hurts to have more comfortable, adventure-ready apparel on hand. Our classy Simms button-downs and trout-patterned Drift Belts can be worn to business meetings and mountain lakes alike. For serious hikes, runs, or other sweat-intensive activities, grab one of our moisture-wicking hoodies. Planning for hot days and casual roaming? Select one of our comfy t-shirts and roll it up for an extra stocking stuffer. We’ve got beanies and neck gaiters for the cold weather and, of course, a broad selection of lucky hats for use in any season. When you buy Montana Casting Co. apparel, you’re representing our rods and getting our name farther afield—we can’t thank you enough for your support.

Rainbow Trout Reversible Belt Showing River on Back

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Fly Fishing Stocking Stuffers Galore

Perfect for stuffing stockings, handing out to buddies, or taking to that inevitable White Elephant gift exchange, here’s our official list of small-but-satisfying gifts:

Blue Magnetic Hook Keeper with Montana Casting Co. Logo/color~Glacier Blue

Peruse Accessories

Questions? Drop them into the comments below or give us a call at 406-285-1452 to speak with a real-life fly fisherman!


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