• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header left navigation
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
  • Trips and Rivers
    • The Land of the Giants
    • Fly Fishing the Missouri River
      • Jet Boat
      • Float
      • Walk and Wade Fishing Trips
      • Trout Spey
    • Dearborn River
      • Walk and Wade Fishing Trips
    • Clark Fork River
    • The Gallatin River
    • Big Blackfoot River
    • Casting Instruction
    • Walk | Wade Fishing Trips
  • Blog | Reports
orvis endorsed outfitter - Living Water Guide Service

Living Water Guides

Living Water Guides | Montana

  • Photos
  • Trip Planner
    • Let’s Plan Your Trip
    • Lodging
      • Hotels and Motels
      • Cabins and Vacation Rentals
      • Fly Fishing Lodges
      • Corporate Fly Fishing Packages
      • Public Land Camping
    • Meet Your Guide
    • Montana Fishing Licenses
    • Best Times to Fish
  • Rates
    • Pay Now
  • Contact
Home » Blog | Reports » Holter Dam and the Missouri River

Holter Dam and the Missouri River

outfitter - Jeff Lattig by Jeff Lattig on April 23, 2025
dry fly fishing the Missouri river from a drift boat

The construction of Holter Dam in the early 20th century has had a significant impact on the Mighty Missouri. Standing proud across the river, Holter Dam has not only played a pivotal role in hydroelectric power but has also become a cornerstone of Montana fly fishing.

Holter Dam’s Impact on the Missouri River

Controlling outflows has transformed the Missouri River creating a “tailwater effect.” The regulated release of water from Holter Lake is measured in cubic feet per second (CFS). This ensures a consistent and controlled flow of cold water. This steady outflow creates an environment ideal for several species of fish, particularly rainbow and brown trout.The Missouri River below Holter Dam has become renowned for its world-class trout fishery boasting impressive numbers of wild trout. The stable water temperatures and abundant food sources help wild Brown and Rainbow trout to thrive.

Missouri river caddis hatch - brown trout

Hatches and Fishing Access below Holter Dam

The controlled water release from Holter Dam influences the river’s temperature, triggering seasonal insect hatches. These hatches, in turn, attract pods of hungry trout, creating exceptional dry fly fishing opportunities. Anglers from around the world flock to the Missouri River to experience these prolific insect hatches. Pale Morning Dun, Tricos and Blue Winged Olives make up the primary food sources for trout in the Missouri river.

Fly Fishing Culture and Community

Holter Dam has not only shaped the river banks, but it has also played a vital role in fly fishing. Small towns like Wolf Creek and Craig have become iconic ‘trout towns,’ where fly shops, guides, and drift boats line the streets.

Missouri River near Craig

Conservation Efforts for the Missouri River

As the popularity of fly fishing has grown, so too has the awareness of the need for conservation. Various initiatives have been undertaken to ensure the sustainability of this fishery, balancing the interests of, guides, and anglers. Holter Dam’s significance in trout fishing is a testament to the relationship between engineering and the natural environment. The dam’s role in shaping the Missouri has transformed it and has contributing greatly to Montana’s fly fishing heritage. As the currents flow beneath Holter Dam, so too does the legacy of a river. One that has become synonymous with the art and thrill of fly fishing.

Category: Fishing News
outfitter - Jeff Lattig

About Jeff Lattig

Outfitter and USCG Captain.

Previous Post:Pale Morning dun hatch - missouri riverFishing Wolf Creek Montana
Next Post:Fishing the Blue Wing Olive HatchBlue wing olive

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Joe Harris

    January 21, 2025 at 12:38 pm

    is there an abundance of wading waters in the area?
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • outfitter - Jeff LattigJeff Lattig

      January 21, 2025 at 12:48 pm

      Hey Joe. We have lots of great wading opportunities in our area. Feel free to give us a call. We are happy to help.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Missouri River Fly Fishing Guides

orvis endorsed

Call (406) 465-1688

Outfitter # 53820

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2025 · Living Water Guides · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Heritage Marketing Group