Small creek or stream
Tight cover and short casts: a short, light rod is easier to control.
Line 4–6 lb
Since 1971
Gear for the water in front of you.
Riverbend Tackle Co. — rods, reels, flies and the advice to use them on the water in front of you.
Find my rod
Open now · until 6 pm
The shop
We fish the water we sell for.
Every rod on the rack has been cast on a creek, a river, a lake or the coast near us. When a customer asks what to buy, we ask where they will fish, then tell them what we would take ourselves.
Lessons, licences and repairs happen at the same counter. Bring the reel that jams and we will open it on the bench while you watch.
Start here
New to fly fishing?The starter fly kit
ReelsSmooth drags, quiet bearings
RodsMatched to the water
Tell us the water and the fish.
We will lay out a starting point: rod length, line and reel. Ask us in store and we will check it against the day.
Tell us the water and the fish, and we will suggest a starting point.
Gear we would pick ourselves.
The whole rack-
Baitcast Reel 6.3:1
Quick retrieve and a firm drag for lures on the lake.
$149.00
In stock
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Bass Casting Rod 7’6″
A stiffer rod for lure weights and long casts into wind.
$229.00
A few left
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Braided Line 20 lb
Thin, strong braid for surf and heavy cover.
$29.00
In stock
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Creek Rod 7’0″ Medium-Fast
A short, light rod for tight cover and small water.
$189.00
In stock
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Dry Fly Box, sizes 12 to 16
Mayfly and caddis patterns for a spring creek.
$38.00
In stock
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Fly Reel 5/6 wt
A light, quiet reel for trout on a 5 or 6 weight line.
$119.00
A few left
Four kinds of water. Four different rods.
Tell us where you fish and we will set you up for it. These are the four we advise on most.
Large river
Longer casts and heavier current: more backbone, more line.
Line 8–12 lb
Lake or pond
Open water and wind: a medium rod covers most casts and most species.
Line 6–10 lb
Coast or surf
Heavy fish and rough water: a long rod, strong line and a large reel.
Line 15–30 lb
From the journal
Every guide is dated, names its author, and lists the sources it relies on. Rules change, so check the current regulations for your water.
Choosing line strength for each water
Heavier line is not always safer. Match the line to the fish, the cover and the cast you need.
Reading a fishing licence before you fish
What the licence covers, which waters need a stamp, and where to check the current rules.
Five flies to carry into spring
A small box that covers most of what trout eat from April to June.
Open on the water's schedule.
Open now · until 6 pm
- Monday7 am – 6 pm
- Tuesday7 am – 6 pm
- Wednesday7 am – 6 pm
- Thursday7 am – 6 pm
- Friday6 am – 8 pm
- Saturday6 am – 7 pm
- Sunday8 am – 4 pm
Montana resident and non-resident fishing licences, sold in store · Fly-fishing and bait-fishing instruction, Saturday mornings
Ask the shop.
Stock, a repair, a lesson or a question about the water. We read every message and answer during opening hours.