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the Missouri River
We feel the Missouri River is the best fishery in Montana, and after a trip here we're certain you will too. Over 4000 big, naturally reproducing trout per mile, great scenery, and the best dry fly fishing in the west. Add a freindly, helpful fly shop, some excellent guides, and great lodging. Need we say more?
Montana's Premier Trout Fishery
The Missouri River is Montana’s ultimate blue ribbon destination. Full of large, healthy Rainbow and Brown trout, this naturally reproducing river is heaven for both anglers and fish. Widely known as the best dry fly fishery in Montana, it ranks among the top trout rivers in the world. The Missouri has a devoted following that returns every year to match wits against its wild, hard fighting Rainbows and Browns. Known as a technical dry fly fishery, in reality the Missouri is a great nymph, soft hackle and streamer river as well. It has a wide variety of water types, and an angler who knows the river can pretty much choose his or her method. The immense size of the Missouri also provides plenty of room to spread out.
The Missouri River is Montana’s ultimate blue ribbon destination. Full of large, healthy Rainbow and Brown trout, this naturally reproducing river is heaven for both anglers and fish. Widely known as the best dry fly fishery in Montana, it ranks among the top trout rivers in the world. The Missouri has a devoted following that returns every year to match wits against its wild, hard fighting Rainbows and Browns. Known as a technical dry fly fishery, in reality the Missouri is a great nymph, soft hackle and streamer river as well. It has a wide variety of water types, and an angler who knows the river can pretty much choose his or her method. The immense size of the Missouri also provides plenty of room to spread out.
Missouri River Trout
Two things about our trout; they fight hard and there are lots of them. The reasons for our consistent trout populations, from yearlings to 5 pounders, is directly correlated to water quality, temperature, ph balance, abundant aquatic vegetation and insect life. Tailwater effects from 3 upstream dams also encourage excellent growth rates. Rainbow trout average 12-20 inches, and Brown Trout commonly reach the 18-22 inch mark. These large, wild trout will test the fish fighting skills of the most seasoned anglers.Techniques for the Missouri
Missouri River trout can be fooled with any technique. Strong, consistent hatches of Caddis, Mayfly, Midge and Terrrestrials give us endless opportunities to present dry flies to rising trout. You may find yourself making delicate presentations to gentle risers in the morning, then pounding a fast bank with a hopper in the afternoon. Nymph fisherman love the Mo’ for its sheer numbers of subsurface feeding trout. Streamer fans can have their periods of greatness too, but only if you like big Browns.
Access on the Missouri River
Lots and lots of river access for both wade and boat angers. Stream access law in Montana is favorable for wade fisherman, allowing the visiting angler miles of water. Roads flank both banks of the upper 7.5 miles, with many other access points on the 35 mile frontage road. Many folks have never fished from a boat on the Missouri, and have no intention to change. They love the freedom to roam, and the pea gravel bottom allows even non-athletic waders safe fishing. Although the Missouri is well known, you can always find empty riffles and runs. Drift boaters have 11 boat ramps, enough to spread out and enjoy a sense of serenity. The Missouri is a fairly docile river, flat and slow in nature...you don’t have to be a world class oarsman to navigate it. It does have a few benign rapids on the lower section that you may want to look at, but nothing to give you nightmares about. Drift boat fishing is truly advantageous due to the amount of river you can see and fish. If you like a specific run, just anchor and get out. What a great river for both floaters and waders.
Lots and lots of river access for both wade and boat angers. Stream access law in Montana is favorable for wade fisherman, allowing the visiting angler miles of water. Roads flank both banks of the upper 7.5 miles, with many other access points on the 35 mile frontage road. Many folks have never fished from a boat on the Missouri, and have no intention to change. They love the freedom to roam, and the pea gravel bottom allows even non-athletic waders safe fishing. Although the Missouri is well known, you can always find empty riffles and runs. Drift boaters have 11 boat ramps, enough to spread out and enjoy a sense of serenity. The Missouri is a fairly docile river, flat and slow in nature...you don’t have to be a world class oarsman to navigate it. It does have a few benign rapids on the lower section that you may want to look at, but nothing to give you nightmares about. Drift boat fishing is truly advantageous due to the amount of river you can see and fish. If you like a specific run, just anchor and get out. What a great river for both floaters and waders.