Missouri River Fly Fishing Guide

Missouri River Fly Fishing

The Missouri is the longest river in North America with its origins near Three Forks. The Gallatin, Jefferson, and Madison Rivers form this magnificent waterway and create a unique, blue-ribbon Montana trout fishery near Craig, Montana.

This 35-mile stretch of river offers some of the finest Montana fly fishing. Cold water releases from Holter Dam create a productive tailwater fishery. Rich in invertebrate biomass, the river supports a robust population of rainbow and brown trout.

Upstream of Holter Dam, the river is a unique mix of warm and coldwater fisheries that appeal to a wide range of Montana anglers.

Holter Dam to Cascade

This is the premier Missouri River fly fishing section that most anglers refer to when they speak of fishing the “MO” in Montana. Steady flows and relatively stable, year-round temperatures are created by deep water releases from Holter Dam.

Meandering through a mixed patchwork of agricultural and scenic canyons, the river is wide with a deceptively strong and steady current. Weed beds, mid-river islands, and rocky outcroppings create myriad holding areas for the river’s trout. The fine gravel streambed shifts with the season, creating drop-offs and depressions that fill with feeding trout during insect hatches.

This is a dry fly angler's paradise during the spring and summer hatches.

Canyon Ferry to Holter Dam

Three, large dams between Townsend and Wolf Creek Montana form two, small tailwater sections of the Missouri River where Trout thrive.

The most famous is the 3 miles of Missouri River below Hauser Dam known as the “Land of the Giants.” Wade anglers can access this Missouri River fishery at Hauser Dam and near the town of York. Large, hatchery trout from Holter Lake move into this section of the river en masse during spawning seasons in the spring and fall.

The Canyon Ferry tailwater section is short and very wide, making it difficult to fish for the fly angler. Walleye thrive in Hauser Lake so the trout here tend to be low in numbers, but large in size. Power boats are needed to effectively fish either section while floating.

Headwaters to Canyon Ferry

The river is formed at the bottom end of the three large Montana drainages in the Gallatin, Madison, and Jefferson. The agricultural demands on these rivers and streams leave them low in streamflow by the time they reach the Missouri River Headwaters.

A small hydropower dam impedes river travel upstream of the small community of Toston. Trout are present in low numbers throughout the summer months. A few, trophy brown trout come to hand every fall between Toston and Canyon Ferry

Carp thrive in these waters and are a popular summertime pursuit for experienced Montana anglers. They cruise shallow water flats in search of crayfish, presenting sight-fishing opportunities during the dog days of summer.

Missouri River Fly Fishing Trips

We have been guiding Missouri River fly fishing trips in Montana for over two decades on the tailwater section below Holter Dam. Exceptional fly fishing can be experienced by anglers of all skill levels between mid-April and mid-June.

Missouri River fishing trips with our Bozeman fly fishing guides at this time of the year have been a client favorite for 25 years.

The Headwaters and Toston sections offer unique Montana fishing experiences, ideal for experienced anglers interested in pursuing Carp on the fly.

Missouri River fishing trips can be reserved online, via e-mail, or by calling us at 1-406-468-5019.

Missouri River Fly Fishing Photo Gallery

The best fly fishing in Montana during the high-water season of May and early June can be found on the Missouri River. This legendary tailwater fishery has over 35 miles of blue-ribbon, wild trout water running through mixed agricultural pastures and rugged canyons between Cascade and Craig, Montana.

A dry fly anglers paradise in June and early July during blanket PMD and caddis hatches, pods of rising rainbow and brown trout feed heavily on the surface when conditions are ideal.

For over 20 years, the guides at Fins and Feathers Guide Service have spent their springs rowing the river with guests in search of big numbers and big fish. The Missouri River photo gallery showcases the terrific fly fishing our guests and guides enjoy on the river during these spring trips on the “Mo.”

Missouri River Fishing Reports

The tailwater section of the Missouri River below Holter Dam is the premiere wild trout fishery of this storied watershed in Montana. Hatching insects keep rainbow and brown trout actively feeding on nymphs and dry flies throughout the year.

The Fins and Feathers Missouri River fishing report is based on angling feedback from our team of Montana fishing guides and friends in the angling community.

Our Montana fishing reports are updated regularly with current condition updates. recommended fly patterns, and the most effective fly fishing techniques. Current stream-flows, Montana river shuttle information, and localized maps are all available as well.