Missouri River in Montana

Few rivers hold the romantic allure and historical presence of the Missouri River. Deeply entrenched in the history of the expansion of the United States, the Missouri River serves many roles in the communities it flows through, from fueling the agriculture of Montana and other Western states to providing ample recreational fishing and boating opportunities.

When Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out to map the uncharted Western territories in 1803, they began their journey on the fabled waters of the Missouri River. Historic sites and remnants of their journey can still be found throughout the course of the Missouri River to its headwaters in Three Forks, Montana.

Perhaps the greatest way to explore the Missouri River is by boating or fishing its waters. Ideal lake fishing conditions exist on many of the lakes and reservoirs along its path, as well as stretches of prime trout habitat.

The flow of the Missouri River through Montana provides a snapshot of Montana itself, rambling and rolling through mountains, valleys, canyons, wind swept prairie and some of the remotest parts of the United States. For 150 miles downstream from Great Falls to Fort Peck Lake, the Missouri River is designated as "Wild and Scenic," and flows through areas seldom seen by all but the most intrepid explorers.