If you’ve ever dreamed of targeting big trout in a stretch of river that lives up to its name, the Land of Giants (LOG) below Hauser Dam on the Missouri River should be on your radar.
This legendary stretch is a highly productive tailwater that flows through a breathtaking canyon before emptying into Holter Reservoir near the the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness. It’s home to some of the largest trout in the entire Missouri River system. As a result, the Land of Giants has earned a reputation as a world-class fly fishing destination for anglers in search of trophy trout.
Accessing the Land of the Giants Section
The best way to experience fly fishing in the Land of the Giants is by jet boat, also known as a power drifter. These versatile boats make it easy to cross Upper Holter Lake and run up towards Hauser Dam, where the real adventure begins. Once there, guides switch to oars and row the boat just like a traditional drift boat, providing a quiet, controlled approach to each fishing lane. The current in this section is moderate, but the deeper runs and riffles require mobility and that’s where the jet boat truly shines. Unlike traditional drift boats that rely on shuttles, a jet boat allows anglers and guides to motor upstream and cover multiple prime spots throughout the day. Our guided fly fishing trips depart daily from the Gates of the Mountains Marina, beginning in April and running through October.
Best Time to Fish the Land of the Giants
One of the best times to fly fish in the Land of Giants is during the annual pale morning dun (PMD), Callibaetis and Caddis hatch. These hatches begin in late June and run through August. The bulk of these hatches typically begin the last week of June in this reach. These hatches offer fantastic dry fly fishing. Pods of rising trout can be seen sipping in the slicks or back eddies along the river banks all the way down to Holter Lake.
Land of the Giants Fishing Seasons
The Land of Giants offers incredible fishing opportunities from April through November. This unique stretch of the Missouri River, where lake and river meet, fishes differently than any other piece of water in Montana. Each season brings its own rhythm, shaped by trout behavior, water temperatures, and insect activity. Not to mention the bonus species like Northern Pike,Kokanee Salmon and Walleye.
Spring: kicks things off as the ice melts and the river wakes up. Rainbow trout begin their annual migration out of Holter Lake, pushing upriver to spawn in the cold, oxygen rich flows below Hauser Dam. During this time, you’ll often find fish in classic tailouts and deeper runs, where nymphing can be exceptionally productive.
Summer, the spawn wraps up and trout slide back into feeding mode. They spread out between Holter Reservoir and the upper river system, following the buffet of emerging insects. Caddis, PMDs, and Callibaetis dominate the menu, and sight fishing opportunities increase.
Fall :The character of L.O.G. shifts once again. Cooler days and crisp mornings trigger trout to feed hard before winter sets in. This is a favorite season for many anglers, especially those who love to streamer fish. Big browns and rainbows turn aggressive, chasing down streamers. The colors of autumn, both in the landscape and the fish, make this time of year truly special.
Winter: Though quiet, still holds opportunity for those willing to brave the elements. Mild days can be magic swinging small streamers with a two handed spey rod or deep nymphing. The crowds are gone, the river is peaceful, and the solitude alone is worth the trip.
Wildlife and Geology
In addition to fly fishing, the Land of Giants area is also known for its abundant Montana wildlife. It’s not uncommon to see bald eagles, bighorn sheep,osprey, beavers, otters, and other wildlife along the river. The Land of Giants section of the Missouri River is a must visit destination for any flyfisher. With breathtaking scenery, crystal-clear waters, and massive trout, this stretch of river is truly a fly-fishing paradise.
