Now offering guided floats on: Rock Creek - Clark Fork - Missouri - Blackfoot - Yellowstone - Bitterroot
At Babs’ Blue Ribbon Outfitter, every trip is about more than just fishing—it’s about a great day on the water. Thoughtful instruction, quality gear, and Montana’s incredible rivers come together to create an unforgettable fly fishing experience.
“Great Rivers. Good People. Blue Ribbon Days.”
Guided Experiences
Full-Day Float Trips
Spend a full day floating and fishing the Clark Fork, Rock Creek, Missouri, Blackfoot, Yellowstone, or Bitterroot, targeting wild trout on some of Montana’s most scenic and productive rivers.
Walk & Wade Trips
Dial in your skills on foot with a guided walk-and-wade trip. We’ll move slowly along select stretches of river, focusing on reading water, improving your casting, and learning how to effectively present flies to wild trout.
Scenic Floats
Slow things down with a mellow scenic float, taking in big-sky views, wildlife, and the sound of the river while your guide does the rowing. Perfect for non-anglers, families, or anyone who just wants a relaxing day on the water.
THE GUIDE
"Guiding You to Blue-Ribbon Days on the Water"
Dave “Babs” Babiracki is the owner and guide behind Babs’ Blue Ribbon Outfitter, bringing a lifetime of outdoor experience to the waters of Montana. Babs grew up hunting and fishing in Minnesota before making the move west over ten years ago—a decision that ultimately led him to the rivers he now calls home. Specializing in fly fishing and ice fishing, he’s known for his easygoing style, deep knowledge of the water, and passion for helping others enjoy time outdoors. When he’s not guiding, Babs stays busy working construction, tackling home DIY projects, tying flies, and enjoying friendly competition in pool, darts, cornhole, and horseshoes. He’s also proud to give back to his community as a Philipsburg Volunteer Firefighter. He is often accompanied around town by his white lab, Zoey.
Notes from the River
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“Over the years, my Wife & I have fished many rivers throughout Montana with Dave , he is knowledgeable, prepared, professional, and an all around good guy. We're booked to fish multiple days again in 2026. If you're planning a guided trip on the rivers of Montana, contact Dave for a superb fishing adventure. PS Dave grills up an excellent bratwurst for lunch!”
“What a wonderful time I had on the river with Dave. As an 86 year old lady, I was a bit apprehensive when my daughter and son in law signed me up for a raft trip down the river. Dave quickly allayed the little uneasiness I had. He is attentive, thoughtful, and lots of fun! The kids caught lots of fish and we even had a hot dog barbecue. Dave is our go-to guy and this will be my 3rd trip down the river this summer."
My husband and I have fish with Babs on more than 20 trips across several rivers in western Montana, and he has become our go-to guide year after year. A day on the water with him is always one of the highlights of our time in Montana.
Bab has an incredible depth of knowledge about these rivers— how to read the water, what the fish are doing, and which flies will produced. He shares that knowledge generously and has a great way of teaching, whether you’re new to fly fishing or have years of experience.
What we appreciate just as much is how much he adds to the overall experience. Babs knows these waters intimately and often points out eagles, nests, wildlife along the banks, and other things you might otherwise miss. It makes every trip feel like a true Montana river experience.
After five years and many trips with him, we can stay without hesitation that Babs is an outstanding guide and someone we recommend wholeheartedly to anyone looking to experience fly fishing in Montana.
Sharon Schurman
Diana & Mike Gorshe
Joe and Sally Briggs
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