Tailwater · trophy browns and rainbows

Missouri River fly fishing.

A two-hour drive over Rogers Pass to one of the finest tailwaters in the world, below Holter Dam near Craig.

  • Missoula, Montana
  • Licensed MT Outfitter #68694
  • 1 to 2 anglers per boat
  • 100% catch and release

Thousands of trout per mile

The question on the Missouri is never whether there are fish. It’s whether you can make them eat.

These are pressured, educated trout. Long leaders, small flies and drag-free drifts measured in inches make this technical dry fly fishing at its highest level, and the river also fishes well with dry-droppers and nymphs.

Jason fishes the Missouri mostly in spring, when the freestones head into runoff, and in fall, when cooler temperatures bring the bugs back.

Signature hatches

  • April to June: BWOs, March browns, caddis, PMDs, tricos
  • September to November: terrestrials and BWOs

Missouri River

Best windowsApr–early Jul, Sep–Nov
SpeciesTrophy browns and rainbows
TypeTailwater
DriveAbout 2 hours from Missoula
Full day$675 for 2

or email Jason

From the boat

Days on the water

Questions

Before you book

Why drive to the Missouri?

When the freestones are in runoff in spring, the tailwater keeps fishing, and it has great dry fly fishing again in late fall.

How far in advance should I book?

As early as possible. Spring (March to April, May on the Missouri), early summer (June to mid July) and fall (September to early November) book out months in advance, sometimes nearly a year ahead.

How much is a guided float trip?

A Full Day Float (6 to 8 hours) is $675 for two anglers or $650 for one. A Half Day Float (3 to 4 hours) is $575 for two or $550 for one. A Half Day Scenic Float is $500 for up to two guests. Multi-day trips are priced on request.

Let’s get you on the water.

Pick a full or half day float, choose your date and hold it online. Rods, reels, flies and lunch are on us.

Book a trip