Nestled in the heart of Montana, the city of Helena is an angler’s paradise with its picturesque rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and abundant water bodies, this region is a playground for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner, Helena’s lakes and reservoirs provide ample opportunities to cast …
The Missouri River is known among fly fishermen as one of the best dry fly rivers in the west. Among the many hatches that draw anglers to its banks, the Trico hatch on the Missouri River stands out as a particularly captivating event. From late July through September, the Missouri River transforms into a technical …
Report Date: Aug , 5, 2025 CURRENT CONDITIONS River Flows: 3,500 CFSWater Temperature: Mid 60’s°FOverall Conditions: Good/Fair The Missouri is fishing exceptionally well right now with stable flows and comfortable water temps. Things are warming up after lunch and the bite slows. Dry fly fishing has been excellent during morning and evening hours. The river’s …
Crayfish are one of the most overlooked fly fishing opportunities on the Missouri River — and one of the most effective for targeting large browns and rainbows. From late spring through summer, trout actively hunt crayfish across the rocky riffles and deep structure throughout the river. If you’re not fishing crayfish patterns, you’re leaving some …
Practice for a Better Fly Fishing When you book a guided fly fishing trip, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement. The promise of pristine water, and big fish can give anyone high hopes. But as the trip date looms, many anglers fall into the trap of thinking the guide will take care …
3 Essential Safety Items Guest post by Stephanie Witham, Montana backcountry guide and angler There’s a certain type of fly fisher who craves solitude—the kind that involves strapping on a backpack, hiking up a mountain to an alpine lake, or bouncing down dirt roads to a remote stream. You trek for miles through gin-clear water, …
July has arrived in full force, and the river is fishing well. We’re solidly into our summer patterns now, and there’s something for just about every angler—from early risers chasing heads on the Trico spinner fall to afternoon prospectors rolling dries blind through the flats. Flows, Temps, and River Conditions Outflows from Holter Dam are …
Hoot owl restrictions in Montana refer to fishing regulations that are put in place during times of high water temperatures. These regulations are designed to protect fish when they are most vulnerable to stress due to low oxygen levels. These restrictions, named after the time of day when owls are most active (early morning or …
Montana, renowned for its incredible rivers and abundant trout, attracts anglers from all over the world. However, with increasing temperatures and lower water levels, trout face significant stress, and the responsibility falls on anglers, guides and outfitters to adopt practices that ensure the sustainability and health of these cherished fish. Below are some key considerations …
Traveling with fly fishing rods can be both exciting and nerve-wracking for any angler. On one hand, there’s the anticipation of exploring new waters, chasing elusive fish, and experiencing the thrill of the catch. On the other hand, there’s the challenge of transporting delicate gear safely and ensuring it arrives intact at your destination. Let’s …
Report Date: June 5, 2025 CURRENT CONDITIONS River Flows: 5500 CFS Water Temperature: 55°F Overall Conditions: Excellent/Good June is a fine time to be on the Missouri River. The water’s alive, the bugs are hatching, and the trout are looking up. If you’ve been waiting for the Missouri to show off, June is the month, …
Fly fishing isn’t just a hobby; it’s a passion that takes us to serene waters, allowing us to connect with nature in a profound way. Behind every successful fishing trip lies the expertise and dedication of professional fishing guides and outfitters. Great guides not only know the waters intimately but also possess a strong ability …
Report Date: May 15, 2025 CURRENT CONDITIONS River Flows: 4500 CFS Water Temperature: 50°F Overall Conditions: Excellent May on the Missouri River has delivered a true spring spectacle. Lot’s of extra moisture has really helped things green up and will help to fill our reservoirs. May Bug Life on the Missouri River The dry fly …
The emergence of the Pale Morning Dun on the Missouri River is one of the most anticipated events in Montana fly fishing. Watching these mayflies come off the water while trout rise with purpose is hard to describe to someone who hasn’t seen it — you just have to be there. PMDs hatch on rivers …
Somewhere between the launch ramp and the takeout, the definition of a “successful” day on the water gets a little murky. For some, it’s a matter of numbers—how many fish hit the net, how many grip-and-grins were snapped. But for others, especially those of us who’ve spent a lifetime on the water, it’s something deeper, …
Every year, sometime around late May, something shifts on the Missouri River. The water warms, the evenings get longer, and suddenly the surface comes alive. Millions of caddisflies begin emerging from the river, and the trout — big browns and rainbows that spent the winter feeding deep — start looking up. For those of us …
The Blue Wing Olive — or BWO — is one of the most important insects on the Missouri River. Small, prolific, and incredibly effective at bringing big trout to the surface, the BWO hatch is something every dry fly angler should experience at least once. This guide covers the entomology, timing, fly patterns, and presentation …
In the world of guiding, there’s a quiet current that runs through the community—one of pride, skill, stories, and yes, ego too. It’s a job that demands a lot. Early mornings. Long days. High expectations. And a never-ending pursuit of fish. But above all, guiding is a people’s job. And the truth is, the people …
The Adipose Flow from a Professional Guide’s Perspective As a full-time Montana fishing guide and outfitter, my drift boat isn’t just equipment—it’s my office, my livelihood, and a critical part of the experience I provide clients. Over the years, I’ve owned and operated everything from big center consoles and technical poling skiffs to jet boats …
The fly fishing guide world is as diverse as the waters they work, from the vast flats of the Florida Keys to the technical tailwaters of Montana’s Missouri River. Plenty of guides can put clients on fish. The truly great ones deliver something far beyond that. The difference comes down to how they teach, how …
An Orvis Endorsed Outfitter is a guide service or lodge that has been independently vetted and approved by Orvis to meet their highest standards for expertise, customer service, and conservation practices. The endorsement is not purchased — it is earned through a rigorous evaluation process and maintained through ongoing performance. For those passionate about fly …
Few rivers in the American West match the Missouri River’s entomological richness. Sustained by cold, regulated flows from Holter Dam, this 35-mile stretch between Holter and Cascade is a year-round bug factory. From midges in winter to clouds of Tricos in late summer, trout here feast on a near-constant buffet of aquatic insects. Understanding these …
A world-class fly fishing destination and one of Montana’s finest fisheries, the Missouri River sits just a short drive from Helena. This a year-round tailwater begins at Holter Dam and flows north 35 miles through Wolf Creek, Craig, and down to Cascade. Along the way, it’s lined with deep pools, shallow flats, and productive riffles—prime …
Montana’s reputation as a fly fishing paradise is often tied to its world-class rivers. But for the discerning angler, the state’s stillwater fisheries offer equally rewarding opportunities. Lakes and reservoirs such as Holter Lake or Hebgen lake provide diverse habitats where trout grow fat on the abundant aquatic life. Success in these waters often hinges …
