Dry fly fishing the Missouri River is a game of inches, not yards. While this legendary tailwater is wide and powerful, success on dries comes down to precision, drift control, and subtle presentations. Missouri River trout see a lot of flies, and when they’re feeding on the surface—especially during technical hatches—there’s very little margin for …
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 …
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 …
If you spend enough days nymphing rivers like the Missouri, you eventually stop arguing about whether a 10-foot fly rod is worth it and start wondering how you ever lived without one. For years, 9-foot rods were staples. They were versatile, familiar, and “standard.” But modern nymphing—especially on big, technical tailwaters—has evolved. Deeper rigs, longer …
When most anglers think of the Missouri River, they picture cold, clear tailwater, long drifts, and technical dry-fly fishing. But tucked just upstream of Holter Dam lies one of Montana’s most overlooked fisheries—Holter Lake. For anglers willing to trade current seams for open water, this reservoir offers some of the most consistent and rewarding stillwater …
As winter sets in over Craig Montana, many anglers stash away their rods and waders, retreating to the warmth of fly-tying benches and daydreaming about spring hatches. But for those willing to embrace the cold, the Missouri River system offers some of the most rewarding and peaceful fly fishing opportunities of the year. The crowds …
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 …
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 …
Fly fishing is not just a hobby; for many, it’s a way of life—a passion that runs deep into the oceans, streams, and lakes where trout, tarpon, and other game fish reside. For those who have a love for fly fishing and a desire to share that passion with others, becoming a fishing guide can …
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 carries weight. This is the start …
The Missouri River is renowned for its large, surface-feeding trout. “Head hunting for trout,” is the art of targeting individual rising fish. Head hunting is a challenge that requires precision, patience, and an understanding of trout behavior. This technique is especially popular on the Missouri from Wolf Creek , Craig and clear down river to …
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 Missouri River is the small town of Craig Montana. This little trout town is more than just a dot on the map, it’s the gateway to one of the finest tailwater fisheries in the country. This blue-ribbon stretch boasts abundant wildlife, prolific insect hatches, and some of the hardest-working …
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 …
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 …
Three 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 …
