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 …
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 …
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 …
If you’re fishing the Missouri River below Holter Dam and you don’t have sow bugs in your box, you’re leaving fish on the table. Simple as that. Sow bugs — isopods — live in the Missouri year-round. They don’t hatch, they don’t migrate, and they don’t disappear in August. They crawl through the weeds and …
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, …
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 I’ve guided a lot of first-timers. And one thing I see over and over is someone showing up to the river with brand new gear, a great attitude, and casting mechanics they haven’t touched since last September. By 10am they’re frustrated. By noon I’m coaching more than guiding. Not …
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, …
CURRENT CONDITIONS River Flows: 3800 CFSWater Temperature: 60’s°FOverall Conditions: Excellent/Good 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. …
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, …
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, …
