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 of …
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 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 and they’re named after the time of day when owls are most active. When restrictions are in effect, …
Fly fishing in warm water conditions is something every angler in Montana will eventually face and how you handle it matters. The Missouri River is a tailwater out of Holter Dam, which means it runs cold and consistent most of the year. That’s one of the things that makes it fish so well. But even …
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 …
Fly fishing the Missouri River in June is about as good as it gets in Montana. The snowmelt has cleared the reservoirs, the dam releases are stabilizing, water temperatures are climbing into the sweet spot, and the hatches. The hatches that make this river famous are in full swing. For anglers planning a trip to …
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 3, 2025 CURRENT CONDITIONS River Flows: 4250 CFS Water Temperature: 49°F Overall Conditions: Excellent Spring 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 across …
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 …
Every year, sometime around 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 who live for …
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 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 …
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 …
If you already know Orvis, you know they don’t put their name behind an operation lightly. An Orvis Endorsed Outfitter is a guide service that has been independently vetted and approved by Orvis to meet their standards for expertise, customer service, and conservation practices. The endorsement is not given, it is earned through a rigorous …
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 …
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 …
While dry fly purists may focus on rising trout, nymphing—specifically short leash nymphing—offers an effective way to target trout before, during, and after a hatch in the shallows. Short leash nymphing on the Missouri River combines precision, adaptability, and an understanding of the river’s unique characteristics. Here’s a dive into the short leash program, complete …
Holter Dam to Cascade The Missouri River from Holter Dam to Cascade runs 35 miles through some of the most productive trout water in the country. Consistent flows, cold temperatures, and a dense aquatic food base keep fish feeding year-round. Whether you’re planning your first float or scouting a new section, here’s a breakdown of …
Most days on the Missouri River, we’re fishing dry flies or nymph rigs. It’s a tailwater built for that — consistent flows, clear water, fish that see a lot of flies. But nymphs and dries aren’t always the best tool for targeting the river’s larger, more predatory trout. Big browns and rainbows didn’t get that …
Come October, my dogs and I are chasing wild roosters all over Montana. Not only do I enjoy pursuing these birds, but I also make use of every part of them. We have fine meals, the tail feathers adorn our Christmas tree for decoration, and of course, they make excellent flies. At the end of …
Fly Fishing Near Helena, Montana: Your Complete Guide Helena, Montana sits at the epicenter of some of the finest fly fishing in North America. Within a 30-minute drive of Montana’s capital city, anglers access the legendary Missouri River, multiple productive reservoirs, and pristine freestone streams—all while enjoying the amenities, lodging, and services a city provides. …
