Nestled along the banks of the Missouri River, the small town of Craig, Montana, is more than just a dot on the map, it’s the gateway to one of the finest tailwater trout fisheries in the country. This blue-ribbon river boasts abundant wildlife, prolific insect hatches, and some of the hardest-working fishing guides in Montana. …
The construction of Holter Dam in the early 20th century has had a significant impact on the Mighty Missouri. Standing proud across the river, Holter Dam has not only played a pivotal role in hydroelectric power but has also become a cornerstone of Montana fly fishing. Holter Dam’s Impact on the Missouri River Controlling outflows …
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 …
Planning a guided fly fishing trip to Montana is exciting, the thought of fishing to big trout on legendary rivers like the Mighty Missouri, Land of the Giants, or Yellowstone is enough to keep any angler up at night. But one question always comes up before the big trip: What should I pack? As Montana …
Sow bugs, or isopods, are small crustaceans that thrive in the cold, clear tailwater fisheries like the Missouri River. The Missouri, particularly the section below Holter Dam, is a classic tailwater trout fishery with an abundance of sow bugs. These little creatures make up a daily diet for trout, specifically in the upper stretches of …
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 …
It’s August on the Missouri River, and things are rolling along just as expected for late summer. Flows are holding steady around 3,500 CFS, with water temps hanging in the mid-60s. Mornings continue to offer the best action, with fishing tapering off a bit in the afternoons as the sun climbs high and the river …
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 Must Haves from a backcountry Guide There are some fly fishers who crave a certain type of 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, then trekking for miles through gin-clear water just to cast dry flies …
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 …
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, thick hatches, rising fish, and enough daylight to make you forget what time it is. See below …
Montana is truly blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, particularly when it comes to its rivers, lakes, and streams. Stretching across hundreds of miles, these waterways are the lifeblood of the state. Choosing the perfect fly rod for trout fishing in these pristine waters can often prove to be a challenging decision. With such …
May on the Missouri River has delivered a true spring spectacle. With flows around 4,500 CFS and water temperature hovering around 50°F, the river is in great shape despite the steady rain that’s been falling across the region. The extra moisture has really helped things green up and will help to fill our reservoirs. May …
The emergence of the Pale Morning Dun on the Missouri River is a magical time and one of the most anticipated events in Montana. Watching the emergence of these mayflies and trout rising is captivating. PMDs hatch across many rivers in Montana, but what happens on the Missouri is in a league of its own. …
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, …
A hidden gem on the Missouri River. Tucked into a rugged crease of central Montana, just off I-15. Wolf Creek clingings 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 …
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 …
Spring on the Missouri, particularly the section below Holter Dam, is a time of transition. The river’s famed blue-ribbon section from Wolf Creek to Cascade comes to life, and the opportunity for exceptional fishing begins. The bitter cold days of winter give way to an energized fishery as water temperatures begin to rise. Brown and …
Fly fishing on the Missouri River offers anglers the opportunity to experience world-class fishing in one of Montana’s most picturesque landscapes. A coveted stretch of the Missouri River lies just below Hauser Dam, known as “The Land of the Giants.” This section is famous for its trophy trout and incredible scenery. Fishing below Hauser Dam …
Having owned a wide range of boats—including big center consoles, technical poling skiffs, jet boats, and drift boats—I recognize quality when I see it. As a full-time fishing outfitter and guide, my boats are more than just equipment; they’re my office and my livelihood. Adipose drift boats are built in Helena, Montana, by people who …
Good vs. Great Fly Fishing Guides: The Difference is in the Details Professional fly fishing guides are as diverse as the waters they navigate, from the vast flats of the Florida Keys to the technical tailwaters in Montana. While many guides can put clients on fish, the truly great ones elevate the experience far beyond …
For those passionate about fly fishing, the name Orvis is synonymous with quality, tradition, and a commitment to the outdoors. One of the hallmarks of their dedication to excellence in fly fishing is the Orvis Endorsed program. An Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Outfitter is a service that has been carefully selected to meet stringent standards …
