• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header left navigation
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
  • Trips
    • Missouri River
    • Land of the Giants
    • Trout Spey
    • Walk & Wade
    • Corporate Packages
  • River Journal
  • Photos
  • Our Story
orvis endorsed outfitter - Living Water Guide Service

Living Water Guides

Montana's Premier Missouri River Outfitter

  • Trip Planner
    • Lodging
      • Fly Fishing Lodges
      • Cabins and Vacation Rentals
      • Hotels
    • Our Guides
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • License Info
    • Trip Waiver
  • Rates
    • Pay Now
  • Contact
Home » Planning

Planning

Best times to Fish the MIssouri River

Planning a Missouri River Fly Fishing Trip

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

Missouri River trip planning starts with one question most anglers ask us: when should I come? The honest answer is whenever you can get here — but there’s a lot more to it than that. Flows, hatches, access, what section to fish, how far out to book. I’ve put together this guide to answer the …

Read morePlanning a Missouri River Fly Fishing Trip
Craig Montana - Living Water Guides

Best Time to Fly Fish the Missouri

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

The Missouri River near Craig, Montana is one of the finest tailwater trout fisheries in the American West — and the good news is that it fishes well 365 days a year. But if you’re planning a trip, timing matters. The best times to fly fish the Missouri River depend on what kind of experience …

Read moreBest Time to Fly Fish the Missouri
Traveling with fly rods- packing for a Montana fishing trip

What to Pack for a Guided Fishing Trip in Montana

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

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 …

Read moreWhat to Pack for a Guided Fishing Trip in Montana
Missouri River :Craig Montana

Fly Fishing in Craig Montana

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

Fly fishing in Craig, Montana puts you on one of the most productive tailwater fisheries in North America. The Missouri River below Holter Dam runs cold, clear, and loaded with wild rainbow and brown trout — 4,000 to 6,000 fish per mile in places. Craig itself is a town of fewer than 50 people that …

Read moreFly Fishing in Craig Montana
Missouri River Guide - Wolf Creek MT

Holter Dam and the Missouri River

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

Holter Dam stands as more than a concrete barrier across the Missouri River — it’s the cornerstone of one of North America’s finest trout fisheries. Completed in 1918 near the Gates of the Mountains, this hydroelectric dam transformed a warm-water river into the legendary tailwater that anglers know today. Understanding Holter Dam’s role helps explain …

Read moreHolter Dam and the Missouri River
Missouri river float distances

Missouri River Float Distances

Orvis Endorsed Missouri River outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig

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 …

Read moreMissouri River Float Distances
fly fishing wolf creek Montana

The Missouri River is waiting. Let’s get you on it.

orvis endorsed

Call (406) 465-1688

Outfitter # 53820

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2026 · Living Water Guides · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Heritage Marketing Group