The Missouri River below Hauser Dam consistently produces trophy trout exceeding 24 inches—some of Montana’s largest wild fish. What makes this four-mile stretch so productive? Understanding the unique conditions that create this world-class fishery helps anglers appreciate why this section deserves its legendary reputation. The Tailwater Advantage Tailwater fisheries like the Missouri River below Hauser …
Nestled along the banks of the legendary Missouri River, Craig, Montana is more than just a small town—it’s the epicenter of one of the finest tailwater fisheries in the world. With a population under 50, Craig exists almost entirely to support fly fishing. Here, you’ll find world-class trout water, expert guides, welcoming fly shops, and …
The Missouri River is one of the most productive tailwater fisheries in the United States, offering year-round fishing opportunities and healthy populations of rainbow and brown trout. But success on this legendary river requires more than just showing up with a rod—it demands the right flies in your box. Whether you’re wading the riffles or …
Published: February 15, 2026Location: Missouri River below Holter Dam & Land of Giants (Gates of the Mountains)Water Temp: Mid-30s°F | Flows: 3,200-3,400 CFS | Conditions: Fishable, mild temps Current Conditions: Winter Fishing Window Open February has delivered surprisingly mild conditions on the Missouri River, creating excellent winter fishing opportunities both below Holter Dam and on …
For many anglers, there’s nothing quite like watching a trout break the surface and sip a carefully placed dry fly. The Missouri River near Craig, Montana offers some of the finest dry fly fishing in North America, with prolific hatches from late May through October creating consistent opportunities to fish rising trout. But success in …
Dry fly fishing the Missouri River is a game of inches, not yards. While this legendary tailwater is wide and powerful, success on dries comes down to precision, drift control, and subtle presentations. Missouri River trout see a lot of flies, and when they’re feeding on the surface—especially during technical hatches—there’s very little margin for …
The Missouri River from Holter Dam to the town of Cascade is a dry fly fishing paradise – and in our opinion, it offers some of the best dry fly fishing east of the Continental Divide. This world-class stretch of water is defined by prolific insect hatches, crystal-clear flows, and some of the most technical …
Spring on the Missouri, particularly the section below Holter Dam, is a time of transition. The river’s famed blue-ribbon section from Wolf Creek to Cascade comes to life, and the opportunity for exceptional fishing begins. The bitter cold days of winter give way to an energized fishery as water temperatures begin to rise. Brown and …
Planning a guided fly fishing trip to Montana is exciting, the thought of fishing to big trout on legendary rivers like the Mighty Missouri, Land of the Giants, or Yellowstone is enough to keep any angler up at night. But one question always comes up before the big trip: What should I pack? As Montana …
If you spend enough days nymphing rivers like the Missouri, you eventually stop arguing about whether a 10-foot fly rod is worth it and start wondering how you ever lived without one. For years, 9-foot rods were staples. They were versatile, familiar, and “standard.” But modern nymphing—especially on big, technical tailwaters—has evolved. Deeper rigs, longer …
Montana’s world-class rivers offer some of the best fly fishing in the country, and one of the most effective ways to experience them is from a drift boat. Whether you’re a first-time angler or a seasoned veteran, drift boat fishing allows you to cover miles of productive water, access remote sections, and maximize your chances …
When most anglers think of the Missouri River near Helena, they picture cold, clear tailwater, long drift boat runs, and technical dry fly fishing below Holter Dam. But tucked just upstream lies one of Montana’s most overlooked fisheries — Holter Lake. For anglers willing to trade current seams for open water, this 4,800-acre reservoir offers …
As winter sets in over Craig Montana, many anglers stash away their rods and waders, retreating to the warmth of fly-tying benches and daydreaming about spring hatches. But for those willing to embrace the cold, the Missouri River system offers some of the most rewarding and peaceful fly fishing opportunities of the year. The crowds …
Disclosure: Living Water Guides is an Orvis Endorsed Outfitter. We only recommend gear we personally use and trust on the water. Montana is truly blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, particularly when it comes to its rivers, lakes, and streams. Stretching across hundreds of miles, these waterways are the lifeblood of the state. Choosing …
Fly fishing is not just a hobby; for many, it’s a way of life—a passion that runs deep into the oceans, streams, and lakes where trout, tarpon, and other game fish reside. For those who have a love for fly fishing and a desire to share that passion with others, becoming a fishing guide can …
Tucked into a rugged crease of central Montana, just off I-15, Wolf Creek clings to the banks of the Missouri River between Helena and Great Falls. Wolf Creek might not grab your attention at first glance, but for those who know the Missouri River, this is a name that carries weight. This is the start …
Head hunting for trout separates good Missouri River anglers from great ones. The concept is simple: find a rising fish, determine what it’s eating, and make a perfect cast. The execution? That’s where most anglers struggle. Clear water means trout see everything – your fly, your leader, your mistakes. Success requires observation, patience, and technical …
When trout spey season arrives on Montana’s Missouri River, success comes down to three things: your cast, your swing, and the fly at the end of your line. That moment when a big brown or rainbow inhales your swung streamer is what keeps anglers coming back season after season. The Missouri’s trout can be selective …
Holter Dam stands as more than just a concrete barrier across the Missouri River—it’s the cornerstone of one of North America’s finest trout fisheries. Completed in 1918 near the Gates of the Mountains, this hydroelectric dam transformed a warm-water river into the legendary tailwater that anglers know today. Understanding Holter Dam’s role helps explain why …
In the world of fly fishing, precision, reliability, and durability matter most. Meet the Orvis Helios 4, the newest evolution of the acclaimed Helios series. It’s built to raise the bar in fly rod performance. Packed with advanced technology and crafted with care, the Helios 4 blends innovation and expertise into a single, high-performance tool. …
When fall sweeps across Montana, the Missouri River undergoes a stunning transformation. The banks glisten with the amber and gold of turning leaves, temperatures drop, and trout get into hyperphagia, a period of heavy feeding. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just taking advantage of the last few outings of the season, fall on the …
Montana is world-renowned for its breathtaking scenery, vast wilderness, and legendary fly fishing. With crystal-clear rivers and streams flowing through rugged landscapes, the state has become a top destination for anglers from around the globe. When it comes to fly fishing in Montana, two of the most popular approaches are wade fishing and drift boat …
Sow bugs, or isopods, are small crustaceans that thrive in the cold, clear tailwater fisheries like the Missouri River. The Missouri, particularly the section below Holter Dam, is a classic tailwater trout fishery with an abundance of sow bugs. These little creatures make up a daily diet for trout, specifically in the upper stretches of …
The Missouri River below Hauser Dam holds some of Montana’s largest brown trout—aggressive, predatory fish that willingly attack large streamers. While many anglers focus on nymphing or dry flies, streamer fishing targets the river’s apex predators: browns exceeding 24 inches that feed primarily on baitfish, sculpins, and other trout. Understanding advanced streamer techniques, proper gear, …
