Fly Fishing the Land of Giants
The Missouri River is known for its world class fly fishing opportunities, particularly in the section known as the Land of Giants or LOG. Located just north of Helena, this section of the river is home to some of the largest rainbow and brown trout in the US. Drawing anglers from around the globe. The Land of Giants section stretches from Hauser Dam down to Holter lake where it enters the Gates of the Mountains wilderness area. The Gates of the Mountains is a section of the Missouri River that runs through a scenic canyon surrounded by towering cliffs and rock formations. The area is named after the Lewis and Clark Expedition, who passed through the area and noted that the cliffs resembled gates opening to a mountain range.
Access to the Land of Giants
Jet boats are the most effective way to navigate this section of the river. Jet boats can quickly cover long distances and provide access to areas that are unreachable by other means. All of our Land of Giants Guides are licensed captains. Guide trips depart from the Gates of the Mountains marina every morning. Boats will be used to travel across Holter Lake up the Missouri river to the Fishing grounds. This section is mostly deep runs and pools with rugged shorelines making wadding very difficult from the banks. Upon arrival guides will row using oars just like a drift boat. Rowing helps the guide to manage the drift and avoid hazards like submerged rocks and shallow flats.
Fly Fishing for Giants
One of the most impressive aspects of the Land of Giants is the sheer size of the trout. Rainbow and Brown trout measuring up to 24″ are not uncommon, with some guests reporting fish measuring up to 30″. These massive fish are a true testament to the health and vibrancy of the fishery. In my personal experience most fish over 30″ are caught on the lower reaches where Holter Lake meets the Missouri. These trophy fish like the slower areas of the river where they don’t have to expend unnecessary energy. Trophy Rainbows and Browns are best targeted in Spring and fall using large streamers.
Best time to fish the Land of Giants
The Land of Giants fishes best from ice off around late March till Ice on in December. During spring and fall, anglers can expect to find Rainbow and Brown trout in the river’s deep runs and riffles. During the summer, most fish move up river into the deep fast runs looking for cooler and more oxygenated water. The stillwater fishing on Holter Lake is world class. The lake provides epic Chironomid and Callibaetis hatches. Sight fishing with large dry flies or stripping buggers or leeches can all produce giants.
Fly fishing Methods
Fly fishing is the most popular method used in the Land of Giants section of the Missouri River, and anglers typically use a variety of tactics. Dry flies, nymphs, and streamers can all be used to fool these large trout. Anglers should be prepared to use heavier rods and tippet to find success on this stretch of river. Rods for LOG should be 6 weights.
Indicator Fishing with Nymphs
I recommend 9’6″ rods to help manage the drift from a boat. Reels with smooth drags are essential for protecting lighter tippets and small flies. The Land of Giants is a place that you can get deep into your backing. Before your trip be sure to check your fly line to the backing connection and ensure your backing is not rotten. When nymphing were fishing two nymphs on 4x tippet. 4-5′ from the split shot to the indicator and targeting that depth all day.
Streamer fishing the Land Of Giants
My personal favorite way to fish LOG. It can be very effective and visual. 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 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 with the right weather and time of day. The PMD and caddis hatches can be epic! Not to mention the hopper fishing. Seeing one of these giants inhale a big foam hopper can be an incredible experience,
Species that Inhabit the Land of Giants
While the Land of Giants section of the Missouri River is known for its impressive Rainbow and Brown trout, it’s important to note that the river and Lake is also home to a variety of other fish species, including mountain whitefish, Kokanee Salmon, perch and Walleye. Lots of angler use spinning tackle to target fish in the deeper sections of the lake. In fact the state record Walleye was caught on Holter Lake. Anglers looking for a unique fishing experience will not be disappointed with what the Missouri River and Holter Lake has to offer. The Kokanee Salmon swim up river to the Hauser dam in the fall and can be a blast to target late season.
Overall, fly fishing the Land of Giants section of the Missouri River is a must-visit destination for any serious angler. With its breathtaking scenery, crystal-clear waters, and massive trout, this stretch of river is truly a fly fishing paradise. Our fishing guides are incredibly dialed into this fishery ensuring a memorable experience.