Having owned a wide range of boats—including big center consoles, technical poling skiffs, jet boats, and drift boats—I recognize quality and attention to detail 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, …
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 …
Few rivers in the American West are as entomologically rich and trout filled as the Missouri River between Holter Dam and Cascade, Montana. Sustained by cold regulated flows, and prolific aquatic life, this 35-mile stretch is a bug factory. From midges in winter to clouds of Tricos in late summer, trout here are sustained by …
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 …
A world-class fly fishing destination and one of Montana’s finest fisheries, the Missouri River sits just a short drive from Helena. This a year-round tailwater begins at Holter Dam and flows north 35 miles through Wolf Creek, Craig, and down to Cascade. Along the way, it’s lined with deep pools, shallow flats, and productive riffles—prime …
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 or Hebgen lake provide diverse habitats where trout grow fat on the abundant aquatic life. Success in these waters often hinges on …
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 …
The Missouri River is often hailed as one of the best trout fisheries in the United States, and for good reason. This stretch of river, from Holter Dam to Cascade, offers consistent flows, cold temperatures, and an abundance of aquatic life that keeps the trout fat and healthy year-round. Whether you’re an experienced angler or …
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 …
Nestled in the heart of Montana’s stunning landscapes, Helena is a prime destination for fly fishers seeking world-class angling opportunities. With easy access to nearby rivers, lakes, and streams, as well as a range of attractions in town, Helena serves as the perfect base camp for a Montana fly fishing adventure. Fly Fishing the Missouri …
With the variety of flies that anglers and guides carry, one particular fly stands out as the undisputed king: the Rusty Spinner. This seemingly simple pattern has earned its crown on Montanas Missouri River for good reason. The Trusty Rusty The Rusty Spinner is a dry fly pattern that imitates the spent stage of mayflies. …
Best known for its blue ribbon trout streams, Montana offers another exciting opportunity for anglers: fly fishing for northern pike. These apex predators provide a different kind of thrill, and exploring their world through fly fishing is an adventure and can be an exhilarating experience you won’t want to miss. The Northern Pike Northern pike—often …
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 …
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 …
The Gates of the Mountains and Holter Reservoir just 10 miles north of Helena is truly a hidden gem. Situated along the Missouri River, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and abundant fish populations. Whether it’s a leisurely day of fishing or an exhilarating excursion into the backcountry, Holter Reservoir promises an unforgettable experience for …
Having owned many boats—from poling skiffs to offshore boats and jet boats—I’ve learned that no boat is perfect. Every build is a balance of speed, performance, and maneuverability. When designing the ideal jet boat for the Land of the Giants section of the Missouri River, I settled on the 1860 Crestliner with a Mercury 90/60 …
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 …
Fly fishing is an art that requires patience, skill, and dedication. When it comes to trout fishing, achieving a natural drift is essential. The drift refers to how your fly moves through the water, and mending is a key skill to master if you want to consistently catch trout. Below are four tips to help …
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 are; nymphing, dry fly fishing and streamer fishing. Nymphing Fishing 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 …
Montana is renowned for its abundant rivers and streams, which offer some of the best fly fishing in the county. With so many fishing opportunities available, choosing the right flies can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best flies for fishing Montana. This list is just a …
