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Home » River Journal

River Journal

Sustaining Montana's Rivers

Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

Some hatches can be predictable. The Mother’s Day caddis is one of them — and after a long Montana winter, it might be the most anticipated event of the year. When it fires, the Missouri River transforms. Fish that have been tight to the bottom for months suddenly start looking up, and big dry flies …

Read moreMother’s Day Caddis Hatch
streamer fishing the land of giants

Spring Missouri River Fishing Report

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

It’s currently snowing here in Helena, and we’re happy to see it! Forecasts are calling for 2–4 inches, with even more accumulating in the high country. Montana’s snowpack is looking solid, with most of the state at or above 100% of normal levels. Flows below Holter dam as of this morning are up to 5300 …

Read moreSpring Missouri River Fishing Report
How to Mend fly line

How to Mend Fly Line: A Complete Guide to Drag-Free Drifts

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

If there’s one skill that separates anglers who consistently catch trout from those who don’t, it’s mending. You can have a perfect cast, a great fly, and be standing in the right spot — and still get skunked because your line is dragging. Learning how to mend fly line is the single biggest thing most …

Read moreHow to Mend Fly Line: A Complete Guide to Drag-Free Drifts
salmon fly hatch - Montana

Fishing the Salmon Fly Hatch in Montana A Complete Guide

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

Fishing the salmon fly hatch in Montana is an annual event that draws anglers from all over the globe. The Salmon fly is a large stonefly and is of the largest insect hatches in North America. They emerge from or rivers and streams during the late spring and early summer months. When do Salmon Flies …

Read moreFishing the Salmon Fly Hatch in Montana A Complete Guide
Missouri river fly fishing guides

Methods for Fly Fishing the Missouri River

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

We use many disciplines when fly fishing the Missouri River and they all can be productive. These are mostly dictated by season, time of day, weather, and angler ability. The three most common methods for fly fishing the Missouri River are nymphing, dry fly fishing, and streamer fishing. Nymphing the Missouri River One of the …

Read moreMethods for Fly Fishing the Missouri River
Insect Hatches - Missouri river Montana

Fly Fishing Bozeman Montana

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

Bozeman Montana is widely regarded as one of the premier fly fishing destinations in the United States, and for good reason. With its clear, cold streams, stunning mountain vistas, and abundant fish populations, Bozeman attracts anglers from all over the world. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to learn the ropes, there …

Read moreFly Fishing Bozeman Montana
best redfish flies

Best Redfish Flies

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

When it comes to flies for Redfish, the selection isn’t as critical as the presentation. Where, how, and when the fly lands are everything. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the abundance of fly options available, but the most important factor is delivering the fly quickly and accurately into the fish’s path or line of …

Read moreBest Redfish Flies
river-guide-lattig-2

Best Flies for Fishing Montana

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

Montana has more blue-ribbon trout water than most anglers will fish in a lifetime. From the technical tailwaters of the Missouri River near Craig to the wild freestone runs of the Clark Fork, Blackfoot, and Gallatin, each river has its own personality — and its own fly box requirements. That said, there’s a core group …

Read moreBest Flies for Fishing Montana
Trout Spey Below Holter Dam

Fly Fishing the Yellowstone River

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

Fly fishing the Yellowstone River near Paradise Valley, Montana is a dream come true for many anglers. Stunning scenery, and an abundance of fish, it’s no wonder why this location is considered one of the top fly fishing destinations in the world. The Yellowstone River is the longest undammed river in the contiguous United States …

Read moreFly Fishing the Yellowstone River
canyon ferry walleye fishing

Fishing Canyon Ferry Reservoir

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

Montana is a state that is blessed with breathtaking scenery and world class fishing. One of these destination is the Canyon Ferry Reservoir, just a short drive from Bozeman and Helena Montana. This stunning body of water offers anglers of all skill levels an opportunity to catch a wide variety of fish species in a …

Read moreFishing Canyon Ferry Reservoir
Fishing for South Carolina Tarpon 

Tarpon Fishing South Carolina

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

When people think of fishing for tarpon, most envision the Florida Keys, Everglades, or other well-known destinations. However, Atlantic tarpon have a broad range, often migrating as far north as Virginia in the western Atlantic. Each summer, mature tarpon migrate north and take up residence along the South Carolina coast. Pods of tarpon can be …

Read moreTarpon Fishing South Carolina
fly fishing winyah bay - south carolina

Winter Fishing Report

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

Winter is a great time to fish and explore South Carolina’s coastal waters Winter fishing report for the waters surrounding Pawleys Island, North Inlet Reserve and Winyah Bay.  Crystal clear water coupled with an abundance of migratory shore birds and schooling fish can make for some beautiful sights.  The fishing can be excellant when the proper weather presents …

Read moreWinter Fishing Report
pawleys island redfish

Why I Practice Catch and Release

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

“What’s the point of Catch and Release Fishing,  you spend all that time and money only to throw your catch back”?   My answer is simple,  I love catching them and seeing others catch them!  The exhilaration and heart pounding excitement of seeing a big Redfish take a top water plug or fly is what gets …

Read moreWhy I Practice Catch and Release

Fall Fishing Charters

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

Fall Fishing Charters around Pawleys Island It’s feeling like fall here on Pawleys Island with shorter days and crisp morning.  The Summer beach crowds have left the Grand Strand and returned home. The beaches and waterways are now quiet. My favorite time of year! Fall is absolutely the best time to book a charter and …

Read moreFall Fishing Charters
Montana Book trout

Unmatch The Hatch

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

  It was a “teachable moment,” to use a parenting cliche, and the teachers were trout (or, ‘the fishing gods,’ or whatever you’d like to call them). It was a cool morning in early summer, about 25 years ago, on one of my (still) favorite trout streams in Michigan. Brookies and browns were rising to …

Read moreUnmatch The Hatch
flounder fishing

 Pawleys Island Flounder

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

Flounder Fishing Pawleys Island  is part of the culture! During the warmer months you see families flounder fishing from docks and causeways.  Southern flounder begin moving in from deeper nearshore reefs into tidal creeks and as the water begins to warm.  Pawleys Island Flounder will thrive and spawn in our marsh and inlets until late …

Read more Pawleys Island Flounder
Guy holding Redfish - santee delta

South Carolina’s Prize Inshore Game Fish

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

A fish that can grow up to 70 lb + or – and feeds in the shallows.  What else could a saltwater angler ask for?   Fishing for South Carolina Redfish, also known as Spot Tail Bass or puppy drum, are without a doubt the most targeted inshore game fish along the Grand Strand. Life Cycle …

Read moreSouth Carolina’s Prize Inshore Game Fish
fly fishing myrtle beach

Fly Fishing Winyah Bay

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

The historic sea port of  Georgetown is the third oldest city in South Carolina as well as the third largest watershed on the East Coast.  Four major rivers confluence at the bay; the Black , PeeDee , Waccamaw and the Sampit.   As a result of this fresh and saltwater confluence it provides essential nutrients …

Read moreFly Fishing Winyah Bay
upland hunting

Upland Hunting South Carolina Woodcock

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

Nestled within South Carolina’s varied terrain are pockets of ideal habitat for one of the most fascinating upland birds—the American woodcock. Often referred to as the “timberdoodle,” this diminutive bird is a treasure for upland hunters, presenting a unique blend of challenge and reward.  With its erratic flight patterns, preference for dense cover, and migratory …

Read moreUpland Hunting South Carolina Woodcock
Myrtle Beach Fishing

South Carolina Fishing Reports

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

Fall is here and all things outdoors are in full swing.  Whether you enjoy hunting, fishing, or shrimping,  fall offers it all.  The bait is thick, shrimp are full grown and that nip in the air puts the fish in feed mode.  Above all fall brings cooler water temperatures triggering game fish like REDFISH and SPECKLED SEA …

Read moreSouth Carolina Fishing Reports
pawleys island fishing charter

Flood Tide Fishing For Tailing Redfish

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

Pawleys Island South Carolina is a year round fishery but the big tides we see in the spring , summer and fall months are something you don’t want to miss. Flood tide fishing begins as early as March if we have warm water temperatures. Spring brings  warmer water, longer days, and big tides that flood …

Read moreFlood Tide Fishing For Tailing Redfish
Redfish

Fishing Seasons for Myrtle Beach South Carolina

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

Clients often call and ask  “how’s the fishing and is this a good time to book a fishing charter? ” and I usually answer with there are no bad time to fish South Carolina.   Myrtle Beach South Carolina fishing seasons may change but each season offers something special. South Carolina is year round fishery! …

Read moreFishing Seasons for Myrtle Beach South Carolina

HOT SUMMER FISHING ON PAWLEYS ISLAND SC

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

Summer is here and that means Redfish, Tarpon, Shark and Flounder Fishing around Pawleys is heating up!  We have had mild temps for consecutive days which has trigged a fanatic Redfish bite!  During the dog days of Summer we run our guided trips early in the morning when water temperatures are lower.  This helps beat the …

Read moreHOT SUMMER FISHING ON PAWLEYS ISLAND SC
Pawleys Island fishing charters- Redfish

Summer Fishing Charters

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

The last few weeks we’ve experienced some of the lowest tides I have seen fishing around Pawleys Island and DeBordieu creeks.  Moon phases coupled with steady winds from the west has made for some extremely shallow conditions.  With all the feeder and secondary creeks dry we’ve had some epic sight fishing on this Summer’s Fishing charters.  Large …

Read moreSummer Fishing Charters
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fly fishing wolf creek Montana

The Missouri River is waiting. Let’s get you on it.

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