There’s a window every summer on the Missouri River where the dry fly fishing gets loud. Not technical. Not precise. Hoppers start showing up on the water in July and the fish, especially the big browns take advantage. If you’ve never slapped a foam hopper tight against a grassy bank and watched a 20-inch brown …
I had a great time sitting down with Dave Stewart on the Wet Fly Swing Podcast to talk about one of my favorite subjects , the Missouri River and what makes the Land of the Giants section so special. We covered a lot of ground in this one, from winter fishing tactics to short leash …
With all the flies that fill a guide’s box, one pattern stands above the rest on Montana’s Missouri River: the Rusty Spinner. This deceptively simple dry fly has earned its reputation through season after season of fooling some of the most selective rainbow and brown trout in the country. The Rusty Spinner imitates the spent …
Fly fishing isn’t just a hobby — for most of us, it’s an obsession. Whether you’re chasing rising trout on a tailwater or throwing to tailing fish on the flats, there’s something about this sport that gets into your blood and never lets go. If you’ve got that passion and you’re thinking about turning it …
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, …
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 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 …
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. …
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 …
Nestled in the heart of Montana’s rugged landscape lies the majestic Smith River system, a cherished gem among outdoorsmen and conservationists. Its clean waters wind through breathtaking canyons and verdant valleys, offering unparalleled opportunities for fishing, camping, rafting, and solitude. However, the tranquility of this iconic river is now facing a potential threat with the …
Just 20 minutes north of Helena, Montana, the Gates of the Mountains stands as one of the state’s most spectacular natural landmarks. This dramatic canyon, where towering limestone cliffs seem to part like gates along the Missouri River, offers visitors world-class outdoor recreation, rich history, and breathtaking scenery that attracts travelers from around the globe. …
The Skwala hatch is a highlight of the spring fishing season here in Montana. Anglers from around the world travel to Montanas free stone rivers to experience the this renowned hatch. The skwala hatch is eagerly anticipated because it’s one of the first opportunities of the year to fish larger dry flies. Let’s explore the …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
“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 …
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 …
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 …
