September 27-29, 2026. Missoula, MT.
Please join us on September 27 – 29, 2026 in Missoula, MT for the fifth annual Hooks for Books, a weekend of fly-fishing, camaraderie, and fun to benefit the Creative Writing Department at the University of Montana. Select 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. Participants will experience Missoula’s culture, cuisine, and special surprises. Registration includes opening registration and cocktail party on Sunday night, and cocktail parties and dinner on Monday and Tuesday, including tickets to the Writer’s on Water Dinner, where we will honor a literary legend with the Writer’s on Water 2026 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 2026 opening soon!
Schedule
Sunday, September 27th
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 Registration and Reception
6pm – 8pm
Cranky Sam Public House
Join us at Cranky Sam Public House for our opening event. Pick up your very special swag bag and registration materials and enjoy craft beer, wine, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres.
Monday, September 28th
Day 1 Fishing
Meet Your Guides 8am
Anglers meet their guides at the Holiday Inn parking 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
Zootown Arts & Community Center
Tonight take a short walk from the host hotels to the beautiful ZACC (Zootown Arts & Community Center) for our annual dinner and auction. Enjoy a very special catered meal with complimentary beer and wine, and an auction with a few very unique and special items.
Tuesday, September 29th
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
Brasserie Porte Rouge
Due to popular demand, we are returning to the James Beard honored Brasserie Porte Rouge for our final cocktails, dinner and award ceremony. Hemingway pens will be bestowed upon our most auspicious anglers, and a literary legend will accept the Writers on Water Award.
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 negotiating some great rates for places to stay during the entire Hooks for Books event. Stay tuned for forthcoming prices and links to book with us!
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:
2025 Recap
We are pleased to report that our fourth annual event was a sell-out, and helped raise a significant amount! Thank you to all our sponsors and attendees!
