Our Services
Fly Fishing - Big Hole River
Float the legendary big hole with one of our guides. We know every seam, bucket, bend and we fish with purpose. From dry-fly sips to hunting big browns, our trips are built to put you on quality fish while keeping the day fun and filled with energy. If you want the best on the Big Hole, you just found them.
Elk Hunting Trips
This is big country hunting done right. Come spend elk season in a camp that feels like family. We combine hard work, experience, and great ground to give our hunters the best chance at success. Whether you prefer archery or rifle, we guide both with focus and determination. Our reputation is built on consistent results, strong teamwork, and unforgettable days in the field.
Bear Hunting Trips
Chase big public land spring bears in prime country with a crew that puts in the effort. We focus on proven areas, patient glassing, and smart stalks when the moment is right. Every hunt is built around preparation and persistence, giving you a high-odds chance at tagging a mature bear in beautiful spring conditions.
Fly Fishing - Gates of the Mountains
At the Gates to the Mountains, we run in a jet boat built for big water and bigger fish. We hunt trophy trout in deep runs and chase these giants that test your drag and grit. This isn't a lazy float - it's power, precision, and heart pounding takes in wild country.
History & Legacy – Wise River, Montana
Troutfitters was founded in 1983 by Frank and Edith Stanchfield, two lifelong Montanans who grew up on the rivers of the Big Hole Valley with a deep appreciation for trout, water, and the outdoor way of life. What began as a small operation rooted in local river knowledge quickly blossomed into one of southwest Montana’s most trusted and respected outfitting services.
From the very beginning, Frank and Edith’s goal was simple: provide anglers with more than just a guided trip. They wanted to offer a full-service experience that combined expert guiding, quality gear, solid fishing intel, and the kind of hospitality that turns first‑time visitors into lifelong friends.
In the early 1980s, Troutfitters opened its doors in Wise River, Montana, strategically positioned within casting distance of one of the region’s crown‑jewel fisheries: the Big Hole River. At the time, guided fishing services were still evolving, and Troutfitters immediately stood out for its personal touch and local expertise. Frank and Edith became known not only for guiding fishable water, but for their incredible hospitality and posititve attitude that rubbed off on every person who stepped into the shop.
As the outfitting business grew, so did the Stanchfield family’s involvement. Frank and Edith’s son, Lance, grew up with a fly rod in hand and river in his blood. From a young age he was learning the intricacies of trout behavior, river currents, and the landscape that makes southwest Montana so extraordinary. He joined the business very young, bringing fresh energy while maintaining the traditions and values that made Troutfitters a trusted name.
Today, that family legacy continues, with multiple generations of the Stanchfield family still involved in guiding, outfitting, and running trips — ensuring the same personal, local insight remains at the heart of every trip. Troutfitters has passed the guiding and outfitting portion of the business over to Lance who operates under the name LaMarche Creek Outfitting. Lance's wife Becky has become the brains behind the outfitting business and nearly a full time chef. She prepares all the riverside lunches for fishing trips and homestyle breakfasts and dinners for guided elk hunting trips. You will still see Edith's smiling face every morning in the fly shop, while Lance prepares his boat for another day on the river. The family legacy continues to be written with many stories still to come.
Over decades in operation, Troutfitters has become a mainstay of the Wise River community and a respected name throughout Montana’s fishing community. Anglers come from around the world for guided trips, local advice, or simply to fish water they’ve heard about for years.
Their story is not just about trout — it’s about community, passion, friendship, wilderness, and a lifetime’s worth of memories.
Contact Us
LaMarche Creek Outfitters
(406) 491-2165
Wise River, MT
