FISHING THE MISSOURI RIVER
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The Missouri River is a "blue ribbon" tailwater trout stream that has high populations of rainbow and brown trout. It's known as one of the best dry-fly fisheries in the West, where you can match the hatch with high success. The weed-laced flats, rocky canyons, and the river's gentle flow make you feel like you're fishing a large, spring creek. The Missouri River can be fished successfully all year. We recommend May through October for the best dry-fly fishing. Make sure to bring your camera -- the scenery is breathtaking.
The average fish is 14-20 inches long, but there's always the chance of hooking into the Missouri's brown trout, which can weigh up to five pounds. Without a doubt, this is the ultimate western fishing adventure.
Note: Though our guides carry a good selection of flies with them, they cannot carry a sporting-goods store.
Recommended Equipment:
; "Fishing and filming - click to enlarge")
Fly Rods: 5-6 weight. 6 weight rods give you a little more control on a windy day. We recommend two rods, one set up with a dry fly and one for nymphing.
Tippet & Leaders: 3X to 6X Waders most months, shorts and wading shoes preferred by most in July and August
Flies To Bring:
Dry Flies
- Caddis - all variations #14-22
- CDC PMD's #16-22
- PMD Spinners pale, olive #16-20
- PMD's All Variations #16-22
- Trico's Duns and Spinners #18-22
- Griffith Gnat #18-22
- Orange Stimulator #6-14
- Parachute Adams #14-22
- Hoppers #6-10
- Damsel Fly #8-10
; "Chad, a guest, and... their guest - click to enlarge")
Nymphs and Wet Flies
- Beadhead Prince Nymph #14-20
- Beadhead & Regular Pheasant Tail #14-20
- Beadhead & Regular Hare's Ear #12-18
- BeadHead Caddis Pupa #16-20
- Caddis Emergers #14-20
- Beadhead Midge Pupa #18-24
- San Juan Worm #6-10
- Sow Bugs #12-16
- Pink Scuds #12-16
- PMD Emergers all types 16-20
- Woolly Buggers all colors, prefer brown, yellow, black #4-12
- Muddler Minnows #6-10
PRIVATE LAKES
We guide on the finest private lakes in Central Montana which are stocked with Kamloop Rainbow and German Brown Trout. The trout average 14 -24 inches with an occasional trout weighing in over 8 pounds. These lakes are the perfect place to learn how to fly fish or just practice your presentation before heading to the river. Whether a beginner or advanced fly fisherman you are sure to enjoy the rod bending experience that these lakes offer.
Upon arrival we will set you up with a float tube or we can guide you in one of our comfortable boats. We practice catch and release on these lakes and use barbless hooks.
