Semi-Wilderness Float

INTRO | The Dearborn River might be the most beautiful float trip in Montana. Along with that incredible scenery, it offers some decent fishing during the short early summer float season. The lower canyon section of the Dearborn twists and turns its way through towering cliffs and unique rock formations to its confluence with the Missouri River just downstream from Craig. The environment and scenery rival the famous Smith River, but is arguably more interesting and often quieter. There are even a few rapids that add a little excitement to the day. It takes a very full day to float this 20+ mile section of river, and once you launch you’re committed. The Dearborn flows through mostly undeveloped private land, and there are no access points until you reach the Missouri River.

WHERE | The Dearborn River is born west of Craig in the Scapegoat Wilderness Area. Flowing off the east slopes of the Continental divide, it grows quickly as it picks up snowmelt from numerous small tributaries. After emerging from the Wilderness at the dramatic “Devil’s Glen”, it flows through remote foothill ranch country before dropping through an incredible canyon towards its confluence with the Missouri River. There are technically 3 floats you can tackle. The upper two floats - while beautiful - have low trout populations, rough boat launches, and are not nearly as popular as the lower “canyon” section. This lower section of the Dearborn has been referred to as a “de-facto wilderness”, flowing entirely through private land and a deep canyon without public access. No cell phone service, roads or people for the first 10 miles, it truly has a feeling of remoteness. The river plunges through drops under towering cliffs. Wildlife is abundant in this undisturbed setting, and it’s not unusual to spot Elk, Deer, Moose, Otters and Bald Eagles along the way. The final 10 miles see the river mellow, though the geology does not. Remote off-grid summer cabins dot the hillside meadows. Not quite as remote, but still incredibly beautiful.

PHYSICAL | Striking cliffs, dark pine forests and natural meadows combine to create perfect surroundings. The river plunges through drops under towering cliffs. Wildlife is abundant in this undisturbed setting, and it’s not unusual to spot Elk, Deer, Moose, Otters and Bald Eagles along the way. The final 10 miles see the river mellow, though the geology does not. Remote off-grid summer cabins dot the hillside meadows. Not quite as remote, but still incredibly beautiful. The river itself is on the small side, typically running 300-900 cfs and 50-100 feet wide. The river is characterized by a pool-and-drop structure, and is full of sheer walls and radical twists and turns, require attention by the oarsmen or woman. Occasionally the canyon opens up to lengthy riffles with open meadows before turning a corner into another tight section shaded by limestone walls. It’s an intimate place, and you’ll often see the trout you didn’t catch as you float over them. There are a couple of technical drops on the Dearborn, and we wouldn’t recommend it for rookie rowers, especially at higher flows in colder weather.

THE FISH | Both Rainbow and Brown trout inhabit the Dearborn, along with Mountain Whitefish and the occasional Brook Trout. The Dearborn has great water and decent hatches, but suffers from a somewhat small and transient population of trout. Some days it seems loaded with nice Browns, and others you’ll find nothing but 10 inch Rainbows. And then there’s days that produce nothing at all. Most Rainbow trout are 10-14”, though occasional larger specimens are caught. Brown Trout are often larger, and it’s not uncommon to encounter fish past the 20” mark. Pay attention and capitalize on all opportunities!

WHEN | The Dearborn opens for fishing on the 3rd Saturday in May, and during normal years the floating is done by the 4th of July. The first two weeks can be very busy when the floating conditions are prime. We consider flows of 300cfs to be the minimum, and above 900cfs the river is way too pushy, making for crappy fishing conditions and potentially dangerous floating. After float season, you can wade fish from the few access points at highway crossings, or hike into the wilderness area. It’s not uncommon for the Dearborn to be under “hoot-owl” restrictions when the water gets too warm in mid-summer.

TACTICS | Fishing comes at you fast on the Dearborn, and identifying likely spots before you get to them is critical. Because the float is so long, you don’t really have time to stop and do any problem solving. You hardly have time to change flies. So it’s really a venue where you choose a method and stick with it. Our favorite techniques are streamer fishing or Dry/Dropper fishing with large attractors. Indicator nymphing can be problematic as the depth changes dramatically and often, and the rocky bottom likes to eat flies. Dry fly patterns typically involve Salmonfly or Golden Stone imitations, with a medium sized BH dropper. Occasionally, when the weather is right, you’ll encounter strong mayfly or caddis hatches that make targeting risers possible. While you occasionally find yourself anchored up on some fish - or a fishy spot - that’s the exception rather than the rule. You’re more likely to continue pounding the banks for miles at a time. Most of the land along the river is private, so the boat will be your home for the day. We use rafts to float the Dearborn, but at higher flows a drift boat can be used. The put-in at 287 requires you to drag your boat over a fence and a short distance to the river.