Missouri River Fly Fishing
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Fishing //
Legendary Missouri River Fly Fishing
The Missouri River, below Holter Dam, is one of the nation's premier tailwater fisheries. The next 40 miles that flow toward Great Falls are home to thousands of trout, averaging 2,500 - 3,000 per mile, and with an average size of 14-18".
It's a big, gentle river flowing through scenic valleys, canyons, and hay meadows. Though wide, much of the Missouri is wadeable with a fine gravel and weedbed bottom. Many fish stay in the 1-3 foot deep flats where footing is easy and not slippery. Here, several prominent hatches keep fish fat and well fed. In fact, Missouri Bows' and Browns are renown for their above average fishing qualities.
One word of advice: before stepping into the river, be observant first. Many of the best fish taken on the 'Mo are found in shallow water right next to the bank. Careless entries into the water might kill your chance at the fish of a lifetime.
Rising trout are a main attraction. Hatches including Midges, Baetis, Tiny olives, P.M.D.'s, Caddis, and Tricos bring "pods" of trout to the surface. Hoppers, Damselflies, Ants, and Beetles add to the mix. Many of the river's regulars are dry fly "head hunting" specialists.Dry flies are just part of the story. Many 'hard core' nymphers catch lots of fish, too. Systematic coverage pays off. The fish tend to stay put. Once you learn some prime lies, add them to your growing list of hot spots. Effective nymphs include bigger bugs like San Juan Worms, scuds, and sowbugs, down to mayfly & caddis nymphs and tiny beaded midge larva. (See fly choices below.)
Many larger fish, especially Browns, succumb to streamers. Plenty in the 18-24" range are taken with a good number caught in 6 inches to 3 feet of water. Big fish hunters try to cover a lot of choppy water thoroughly. Cast, look at the beautiful scenery, and hold on!
While there is a lot of great wading water and of all types, there are also many zones where boats are preferred fishing tools. Deep, quiet runs, pods of fish, and down across presentations are common scenarios. The anchor becomes an anglers best friend! Some fish, tight to willowy banks (which include most of the largest steady risers), are also best approached from anchored boats. Our guides have been fishing and guiding here for years. Some have fished here all their lives, and several have been guiding for 15-25 years. Hiring one of our guides for just a day, or the duration of your visit can open your eyes to the Missouri's subtle, but great possibilities!
The Missouri is a river for all fishing techniques and preferences. Though it can be challenging at time, its "match the hatch" action can be very rewarding. The spring creek like productivity keeps fishing regulars returning year after year.
Recommended flies
Griffith's Gnat #18-22, Baetis Thorax #16-22
PMD Spinners (pale olive) #16-20, CDC PMD's #16-22
Caddis (all variations) #16-22
(Fish often prefer lower lying, more realistic ties.)
Orange Stimulator #6-14, PMD's (all variations) #16-22
Trico Duns & Spinners #18-22 Parachute Adams #14-22
CDC Baetis #16-22, CDC Caddis #16-22
Royal Wulff & Trudes #14-20, H&L Variant #14-20
Hoppers #6-10, Damselfly #8-10
Beadhead & Regular Pheasant Tail Nymphs #14-20
Beadhead & Regular Hare's Ears #12-18
Beadhead & Regular Serendipities #14-18
Beadhead Midge Pupa #18-24, San Juan Worms #6-10
Sowbugs #12-16 RS2 Emerger #16-20
Caddis Emergers #14-20, Muddler Minnows #4-10
Pink Scuds #12-16, Crayfish #6-10
PMD Emergers (all types) #16-20
Woolly Buggers #4-12 (We like brown a lot. Some times in mid-summer small ones work better.)
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