Fly fishing in warm water conditions is something every angler in Montana will eventually face — and how you handle it matters. The Missouri River below Holter Dam is a tailwater, 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 deeper, …
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 purchased, 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. …
Cleaning your fly line is one of the simplest things you can do to improve your fishing — and one of the most overlooked. With premium fly lines running $90–$125, it pays to take care of them. A well-maintained line casts better, floats higher, and lasts significantly longer than a neglected one. Here’s why it …
Best known for its blue ribbon trout streams, Montana is quietly home to one of the most underrated predator fisheries in the West. Pike fishing Montana doesn’t get the headlines that Missouri River trout do — but ask anyone who’s had one blow up a big streamer on Holter Lake and they’ll tell you the …
The fishability and performance of the Hell’s Bay Professional are unlike any other skiff I’ve been on. Having spent thousands of hours in various boats and skiffs, I can confidently say that the Hell’s Bay Pro is the best skiff for South Carolina’s technical fishery. Hells Bay -World’s Finest Skiffs. After months of online research …
Montana is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. It’s a true retreat for anyone who loves the outdoors, offering endless ways to get out and connect with nature. From rugged mountains and wide-open plains to incredible rivers and sprawling forests, Montana’s beauty is tough to beat. But it’s more than …
Every guide has a version of this story. You’re rowing, reading the water, setting up for a drift you’ve made a hundred times — and from the front of the boat comes a voice: “Can we try over there?” It’s well-meaning. It almost always is. Maybe it’s a point toward the far bank, maybe it’s …
