September 21-23, 2025. Missoula, MT.
Please join us on September 21 – 23, 2025 in Missoula, MT for the fourth annual Hooks for Books, a weekend of fly-fishing, camaraderie, and fun to benefit the Creative Writing Department at the University of Montana. A select few lucky anglers in teams of two will fish some of the world’s premier trout streams, including the Blackfoot, Bitterroot, and Clark Fork Rivers with the region’s top guides, to catch rainbow and brown trout that often range from 20-25 inches! Participants will experience Missoula’s culture, cuisine, and many special surprises. Registration includes three cocktail parties and dinners, including tickets to the Writer’s on Water Dinner, where we will honor best-selling author Carl Hiaasen with the Writer’s on Water 2025 award. Hooks for Books is not a competition, and anglers of every level will have a great time. But for those who want to challenge their skills, we also offer a few special surprises for the experienced angler. Our events are held in beautiful and historic downtown Missoula, and since guides will meet participants at the hotel, there is no need to rent a car.
About
Hooks for Books is a charitable fly-fishing event that benefits the University of Montana’s Creative Writing Program. All net proceeds support the program. It was founded in 2021 by UM Alumni, Tim O’Leary and Chris Dombrowski, combining their love of literature, fly fishing, and the UM. O’Leary is an entrepreneur and writer, and Dombroski is a renowned poet, fly-fishing guide, and Director of the MFA program.
Like many universities, UM has experienced severe budget cuts that continue to impact the Creative Writing Department, and Hooks for Books supports those shortfalls to build a new generation of writers, while giving visitors the opportunity to experience some of the world’s finest trout fishing and the beautiful community of Missoula—a place where “the river literally runs through it.”
UM’s Creative Writing Program is one of our nation’s oldest and most prestigious, with an international reputation. Founded in 1920, it began offering one of the first M.F.A. degrees in 1966, and has boasted such iconic Western writers as Richard Hugo, Madeline DeFrees, Judy Blunt, James Lee Burke, Rick DiMarinis, and William Kittredge, while hosting Pulitzer Prize winners, Richard Ford and Jorie Graham, and literary luminaries, David James Duncan, Jess Walter, Susan Cheever, Barry Lopez, Hunter S. Thompson, Ken Kesey, and dozens of others. Graduates have become essential voices in literature and the arts, penning bestsellers, critically acclaimed books (many that have been adapted into films), while being awarded Pulitzer’s, Pushcarts, and almost every literary honor. We appreciate the support offered by Hooks for Books contestants and sponsors to continue this important legacy of literature.
Register
Registration for 2025 is now open — these spots will fill up very quickly so be sure to sign up soon!
Schedule
Sunday, September 21st
Optional Fishing Day
Optional fishing day at attendees’ expense. Please contact one of our sponsor outfitters to book a guide:
Eric Ederer, Renegade Fly Fishing Outfitters – 406-880-7221
Toby Reinhardt, Montana Trout Outfitters – 406-544-3516
Chase Harrington, Missoula Guided Fly Fishing – 406-529-1200
Opening Night Reception & Dinner 6pm – 8pm
Location to be announced
Registration, fishing assignments, attendee bag pickup, and opening night dinner and cocktail party.
Monday, September 22nd
Day 1 Fishing
Meet Your Guides 8am
Anglers meet their guides at the Holiday Inn parking lot. Turn right out the front door of the Residence Inn or AC Hotel, or left out of The Wren and walk one block to the Holiday Inn lot for quick transportation to your assigned stretch of the Bitterroot, Clark Fork, or Blackfoot River.
Fishing with Riverfront Lunch 8:30am – 4:30pm
Let’s fish!
Dinner & Auction
7pm – 9:30pm
Location to be announced
Tuesday, September 23rd
Day 2 Fishing
Meet Your Guides 8am
Anglers meet their guides at the Holiday Inn parking lot.
Fishing with Riverfront Lunch 8:30am – 4:30pm
Let’s fish!
Writers on Water
Awards Dinner
7pm – 9:30pm
Location to be announced
Registration includes two days of guided fishing, dinner and cocktails on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday night, with tickets to the Writers on Water Awards. Does not include travel, lodging, or practice day guides.
Accommodations
This year we are thrilled to have negotiated great rates at The Residence Inn, and the AC Hotel. Choose either hotel at $269 per night. And we have added an even more budget friendly option at the beautiful Wren Hotel (across the street from the AC), with king rooms at only $149 per night.
Writers on Water
John Gierach
Tom McGuane
Carl Hiaasen
Hooks for Books attendees receive a ticket to the Writers on Water Awards, where we honor literary legends influenced by the natural environment. The Hooks for Books Hemingway Awards are also bestowed to notable anglers and guides. The evening includes cocktails and dinner.
Donate
Can’t make the event but would like to support the UM Creative Writing Program? Please donate below:
Sponsors & Supporters
We are proud to have assembled the best crew of outfitters and guides in Western Montana. Our past outfitters — Missoulian Angler, Renegade Fly Fishing Outfitters, and Missoula Fly Fishing Outfitters — and guides have accrued over 200 years of guiding experience on this watershed.
Our thanks to sponsors and supporters that include:
Daniel Kiely, KLO Group
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
2024 Recap
We are pleased to report that our third annual event was a sell-out, and raised a record amount, over $130,000! Thank you to all our sponsors and attendees!
