Bozeman

Missouri River Fly Fishing in Montana

Missouri River Fly Fishing

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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".

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Angler's West Guide Service on the Missouri River
Creating custom angling adventures for novices to experts. Fish the Missouri, Yellowstone and Madison Rivers all in one multi-day trip. See photos of our fantastic adventures.
view site : map : call us (406) 333-4401
YD Flies - Fishing Flies at 20% below wholesale!
Planning your fishing trip to Montana? Order your flies today and we'll have them to you before you go! Excellent quality, 20% below wholesale!
view site : map : call us (970) 927-7089

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.)

Sweetwater Fly Shop - Livingston's Newest - Located at the mouth of the Yellowstone River's Paradise Valley, the Sweetwater Fishing Company was founded by a group of anglers who have made their home in Montana while exploring world's great fishing destinations. If you are going to be in Montana, stop by our fly shop in Livingston.

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320 Guest Ranch Inc
205 Buffalo Horn Creek Rd Gallatin Gateway, MT  59730-9606
view site : call us (406) 995-4283
Big Trout Ranch LLC
767 E Bench Rd Twin Bridges, MT  59754-9767
view site : call us (406) 684-5995
Milesnick Ranch Inc
412 Bridger View Dr Belgrade, MT  59714-3810
view site : call us (406) 388-6518
Sixty Three Ranch
P.O. BOX 979 Livingston, MT  59047-0979
view site : call us (406) 222-0570
Twin Rivers Ranch
P.O. BOX 1009 Manhattan, MT  59741-1009
view site : call us (406) 284-6485

Local Phone Only Listings: (upgrade your listing)


Ladder Canyon Ranch
572 Mchessor Creek Rd Twin Bridges, MT  59754-9723
call us (406) 684-5275
Dorothy A Haugland
4911 Biggs Haugland Rd Belgrade, MT  59714-8017
call us (406) 388-4547
Paul Grieco
142 Bennett Dr Bozeman, MT  59715-8060
call us (406) 522-7123
Kevin Boltz
83 Jack Creek Rd Ennis, MT  59729-9018
call us (406) 682-7140
Maichel Ranch
P.O. BOX 154 Harrison, MT  59735-0154
call us (406) 685-3366
Cotant Ranch
P.O. BOX 508 Livingston, MT  59047-0508
call us (406) 222-0042
Lazy Heart Horse & Mule Co
P.O. BOX 45 Livingston, MT  59047-0045
call us (406) 222-7536
Hudecek Ranch
P.O. BOX 131 Springdale, MT  59082-0131
call us (406) 932-6745
Great Divide Land & Cattle
26465 Bridger Canyon Rd Wilsall, MT  59086-9574
call us (406) 578-9830
Mnk Ranch
15959 Rocky Mountain Rd Belgrade, MT  59714-8030
call us (406) 388-6282
Gallatin Madison Ranch Co
17500 Norris Rd Manhattan, MT  59741-8625
call us (406) 282-7507
Parade Rest Guest Ranch Inc
1279 Grayling Creek Rd West Yellowstone, MT  59758
call us (406) 646-7217
Neil Barnosky
615 Ruby River Dr Sheridan, MT  59749-9517
call us (406) 842-5252
Davis Jack & Lorene LLC
11 Barney Creek Rd Livingston, MT  59047-9178
call us (406) 222-2691
Mountain Meadows Guest Ranch
P.O. BOX 160334 Big Sky, MT  59716-0334
call us (406) 995-4997
Lone Mountain Ranch Inc
P.O. BOX 160069 Big Sky, MT  59716-0069
call us (406) 995-4644

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