Missouri River

The Missouri River below Holter Dam is a tailwater trout fishery of legendary proportions. The cold, clear water released from Canyon Ferry and Holter reservoirs creates conditions that support an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 trout per mile — numbers that rival any river in the world.

The Missouri's productivity is driven by aquatic vegetation and insect life that thrives in the stable, nutrient-laden tailwater flows. Hatches are prolific and predictable: midges year-round, Blue-Winged Olives in spring and fall, PMDs and caddis in summer, and Trico spinners that blanket the surface in August and September.

The most popular section runs from Holter Dam to the town of Cascade, roughly 35 miles of floatable water. The upper stretch near Craig is the epicenter, with multiple access points and world-class guides based in the area. Trout average 15 to 18 inches with fish over 20 inches caught regularly.

What makes the Missouri unique among Montana rivers is its consistency. As a tailwater, it doesn't suffer from the high, muddy runoff that can blow out freestone rivers for weeks in spring. The dam moderates flows and temperatures, creating fishable conditions nearly every day of the year.

The Missouri rewards technical fishing. During heavy hatches, trout become selective feeders that demand precise fly selection and drag-free drifts. Sight-nymphing with small flies is a year-round staple. Streamer fishing with articulated patterns produces the biggest fish, particularly on cloudy days and during fall.