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 section is a short but incredibly productive tailwater flowing between Hauser Dam and Upper Holter Lake. This stretch of river holds some of the largest trout in the Missouri River system. As a result, the Land of the Giants has become a world-class fly fishing destination for those seeking the thrill of landing trophy-sized trout.

Here the Missouri River flows north through a steep canyon and eventually into the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness Area on Holter Reservoir. This famed stretch of the Missouri river anglers have opportunities to encounter some of the largest trout in the state, often exceeding the average sizes found in other sections of the river.

Accessing The Land of the Giants

The best way to experience fly fishing in the Land of the Giants is by jet boat (power drifter). These boats are used to travel across Holter Lake and up to Hauser dam. Upon arrival, guides will row using oars, just like a traditional drift boat. The current is moderate, but the deeper runs and riffles demand mobility. This is where a jet boat shines. Unlike traditional drift boats that require a shuttle, a jet boat allows anglers to motor upstream and fish multiple prime spots throughout the day. Our guided fishing trips depart from the Gates of the Mountains marina every morning beginning in April and end in November.

Fly Fishing the Land of the Giants

Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, anglers can cast their lines against a backdrop of towering cliffs, rolling hills, and expansive open skies. Rainbow and brown trout measuring up to 24 inches are not uncommon. These massive fish are a true testament to the health and vibrancy of the fishery. In my experience, most trout over 24 inches are caught in the lower reaches of the river, where the currents are slow to moderate. These trophy fish thrive in the slower sections of the river, where they don’t have to expend unnecessary energy.

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 PMD and Caddis hatch. These hatches begin in late June and run through August. During the Caddis hatch, the Missouri River is alive with large trout feeding on the surface. The Pale Morning Dun hatch typically begins mid June offering fantastic dry fly fishing on the Land of Giants. Pods of rising trout can be seen sipping these pale yellow mayflies in the slicks or back eddies along the river banks.

Missouri River Fishing Seasons

The Land of Giants fishes best from April through December. In the summer, trout move out of Holter Lake and begin to swim upriver, searching for cooler, more oxygenated water. During the fall, the weather cools down, and the trout become more active as they prepare for winter. Fall trout can and will feed heavily in preparation for the colder months. Fall is a great time to fish with sinking fly lines and large streamers. Big brown and rainbow trout become more aggressive and are more likely to chase larger flies.

Fly Fishing Methods

Fly fishing is the most popular method on the Missouri River, and anglers typically use a variety of tactics. Dry flies, nymphs, and streamers can all be effective in fooling these large trout. Anglers should be prepared to use heavier 6-weight rods for success on this stretch of water. The stillwater fishing on Holter Lake is world-class, offering excellent Chironomid and Callibaetis hatches. Sight fishing with large dry flies or stripping buggers and leeches can both produce large fish.

Indicator Fishing Subsurface

The Land of Giants is a place where you can get deep into your backing. I recommend 9’ 6″ rods to help manage the drift from a boat. Reels with smooth drags are also essential for protecting lighter tippets and small flies.  Nymphing is a very effective way to target these fish. When nymphing, we’re often fishing two nymphs on a 4X tippet, 4–5 feet from the split shot to the indicator, adjusting depth as needed.

Streamer Fishing the Land of Giants

Streamer fishing is a fan favorite at LOG. It can be very effective and provides an exciting visual experience. Watching a two-foot brown trout chase and inhale a streamer is what gets me out of bed in the morning. Streamer rods should be 7-8 weights. These stouter rods really help when chucking and ducking larger flies on full sinking fly lines. A 6 weight is sufficient when casting smaller wooly buggers and leeches.

Dry Fly Fishing the Land of Giants

The dry fly fishing at the Land of Giants can be fantastic. Swarms of caddis, pale morning dun and trico hatches can be epic, not to mention the grasshopper fishing during the afternoons. Seeing one of these giants slurp a big foam dry fly off the surface of the water can be an exhilarating experience.

Target Species

While the Land of Giants section of the Missouri River is known for its impressive trout, it’s important to note that the river has a variety of fish. Mountain whitefish, Kokanee Salmon, Northern Pike, Perch and Walleye. In fact, the state record Walleye was caught in Holter Lake not far from the marina. Anglers looking for a unique fishing experience will not be disappointed with what this fishery has to offer.

Abundant 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, osprey, beavers, otters, and other wildlife along the river. The area is also home to several species of big game, including bears, deer, goats, and bighorn sheep. The Land of Giants section of the Missouri River is a must-visit destination. With breathtaking scenery, crystal-clear waters, and massive trout, this stretch of river is truly a fly-fishing paradise. Our U.S. Coast Guard captains have an intimate knowledge of this fishery, ensuring a safe and memorable experience.