If the thought of all that nature in the Bitterroot makes you a little jumpy or just lonely, consider hiring an outfitter to ease that transition into the wilderness. After seeing the piles of fliers at the chamber of commerce, you’ll wonder if there’s anyone in the Bitterroot who is not an outfitter or who at least doesn’t run a “guest ranch.” The following are just highlights of what’s available, but an inquiring letter to the chamber will be sure to result in cascades of mail.

Bill Abbot and his guides at Trout Fishing Only (406/363-2408, www.abbotsmontanafishing.com) will row you into good fishing waters, then tell you what to do when you get there. They offer day trips and overnighters on the Bitterroot, Beaverhead, and Big Hole Rivers, and will arrange lodging and lunches.

Bitterroot Anglers (3000 College St., Stevensville, 406/375-1901) specializes in overnight float trips with camping alongside the Bitterroot ($330 per person per day).

Highway 93 has nearly as many fly shops as mini-marts, and store personnel will, in the way of cagey anglers, offer a few tips.