Captain Gary Behrent

Guiding memorable Montana fishing trips for over 20 years

Roots as deep as the cottonwoods that line the rivers, Montana runs through him like the very blood in his veins. Gary is five generations worth of Montana’s finest. Dedication to family, friends, and hard work and a deep love for the natural world are hallmarks of his lineage.

Growing up in Bozeman on Lindley place with Bozeman creek in his backyard and only a short distance from the Gallatin, it was only natural that waters and wilderness would call and shape him into what he was to become. Catching his first fish seared an indelible mark on his young mind, creating a passion as wild as the woods and rivers themselves.

His first fly rod was given to him at the age of 8, a bright blue fiberglass Abu Garcia. A brief casting instruction by his father and he was on his way to chase the wily trout any time he had the opportunity. That first rod would be the instrument by which he learned great elation as well as humbling frustration. Learning to read water and where an eager fish might be willing to take a fly and cursing the bushes that attempted to take the fly on his back cast.

Gary tied his first fly at the age of 10 taught by his grandfather, a man of great influence in his life. He knew at that moment he wanted to be a fishing guide at some point in his life. Gary began guiding at the age of 21, splitting the season between Alaska and Montana. After 5 years of Alaska, Gary decided his home of Montana was too good to leave in the summer. Alaska is great, but the dry fly fishing just isn’t good enough.

After 17 years as head guide with Montana Troutfitters, Gary chose to pursue his own way by establishing Driftline Outfitters.
Gary remembers what it was like to be the beginner, trying so hard to catch that first seemingly impossible fish. He also knows what it’s like to be a seasoned pro with higher expectations in a day of fishing. Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned vet, your day on the water with Gary is sure to meet or exceed your expectations. His level of kindness, patience, and professionalism are unrivaled, and his wit and humor are sure to leave you with a memory that will last a lifetime.

Don’t Take Our Word For It

Browse our reviews from Google

Richard Edelman

2022-09-11

Had the opportunity to fish the Yellowstone River for the day and wanted to recommend Gary, Tyler and Josh. All were all great to work with from setting up the trip to getting out on the water. We had a group of 5 and they made it easy. Very knowledgeable about the river and got us hooked on a lot of whitefish and a couple rainbow. There was a steep learning curve for a couple on the trip but no one got skunked and all had a hell of a view to look at while on the water. Professional and laid back at the same time. Driftline Outfitters gets 5 stars and no fluff just good old fashioned fun with no stress.

Jessica Johns

2022-09-07

Gary was the best choice for learning to fly fish. He was kind, knowledgeable, patient and fun to work with. I highly recommend Gary to anyone looking for a top-shelf Captain, he will exceed your expectations.

Benjamin Bartos

2022-07-17

Gary took me and a good friend fishing earlier this month. It was a great fishing day and memorable trip thanks to Gary. He is a great guide - put us on fish despite tough conditions and coached my friend who had little experience and helped him land his first trout on a fly rod. Additionally, Gary is a cool guy to spend a day on a boat with. All around great day and will be fishing with him whenever I need a guide in th Bozeman area. He is top notch!

William Lopes

2022-06-24

My wife and I started fishing with Gary by acciddent about 5 years ago when he was the head guide at another outfitter. It's a strange and awesome feeling when you meet someone for the first time and feel like you have known him all your life. Gary has a talent for knowing what his clients want, more help, less help, no help and he's the easiest guide to spend a day with on the river with your wife, kids or your best friend 🙂 Our annual trip to Montana has become as much about spending a day or two with Gary as it is about

Edward Miknevicius

2022-04-25

One of the best outfitters I've ever worked with. There knowledge of the rivers , hatches and fishing conditions is unsurpassed. If you want to have a great time and a sore arm from catching fish all day. Driftline is the outfitter to be with

Heidi Zweifach

2022-01-10

My son and I guided with Gary for an entire week in August 2019. Our trip to Montana was a graduation gift for our son. What a blast we had! Living near the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, we were used to casting in narrow mountain streams with lots of trees to negotiate. Fishing in the wide-open rivers of Montana was thrilling and different. Gary took the time to assess our skill level and worked with us to adjust our casting to the wide rivers. His warm personality, his brute strength to negotiate some tough rivers and his expert knowledge of fly fishing made for a vacation we will always remember!

Jacob Zweifach

2021-12-29

I went with Gary for a 4 day float trip throughout Montana. Gary is top notch in everything he does. There is no-one I would recommend more. Gary is a great coach, extremely personable, and will put you on big fish.

Paul Scott

2021-12-27

My wife and I have been fishing Montana rivers for many years and have used several different guides until about 10 years ago we were fortunate enough to get hooked up with Gary an have not used another guide since. The first thing that got us hooked on Gary was his patience, kindness and respect helping my wife learn enough to fall in love with fly fishing. We’ve fished several rivers with Gary and always had great trips - we enjoy his company on the river and always come away not only satisfied but feeling like we’ve spent a great day with a close friend who just happens to be the best guide in the world. Oh, yea he always gets us fishy!

Randall Chamberlin

2021-12-27

Gary is my go to fishing guide. We’ve had some pretty amazing days on the river. Some large fish and days with lots of fish, but he gets us on fish even on the tough days. He put my wife on some great fish her first day ever fly fishing. It was an awesome day!

Scott Scott

2021-11-05

I have been fishing in Montana with Gary for many years now.His level of preparation before trips and his attention to details while on his boat for a day of fly fishing is always rewarding.I'm sure that is due to his extensive knowledge and years of guiding on area waters.Gary's fishing equipment is always rigged and ready and he has guided me to some remarkable days on Montana's waters!Thank you Gary,and keep up the good work!