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 …
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 these mayflies come off the water and trout rise with purpose is captivating. PMDs hatch on many rivers across the state, but what happens on the Missouri is in a …
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 people …
The Adipose Flow from a Professional Guide’s Perspective As a full-time Montana fishing guide and outfitter, my drift boat isn’t just equipment—it’s my office, my livelihood, and a critical part of the experience I provide clients. Over the years, I’ve owned and operated everything from big center consoles and technical poling skiffs to jet boats …
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 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 …
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 Lake or Hebgen lake provide diverse habitats where trout grow fat on the abundant aquatic life. Success in these waters often hinges …
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 …
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. …
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 …
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. …
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 …
