About the Missouri River

The 30 mile Blue Ribbon stretch of the Missouri River begins at Holter Dam, located just outside of Wolf Creek. Since 1918, this Dam has controlled the water flow of the Missouri, which has remained steady with no peak power for years.

As a result - the Missouri is a stable and very rich biomass of aquatic insect and crustacean life, making the river one of the best tail-water fisheries in the West. Trout populations average 2,500 to 4,000 fish per mile, the majority of which are sized between 13-20", although 20-23" trout aren't unusual. A few Browns over 10 lb. are taken yearly.

Why it's so unique

Good hatches and rising trout are the Missouri's claim to fame. Aside from the excellent nymph and streamer fishing, the Missouri is one of the greatest Dry-Fly, "Match the Hatch" rivers to fish.

Though large, much of the Missouri is shallow and wadeable, which makes this an ideal river for both float and wade fishing. It's beautiful scenery boasts clear water, rocky mountainous terrain and an abundance of wildlife. Here is a rundown of the typical Missouri River fishing season:

March - early April: Waters are warming, and the Rainbows head up tributaries to spawn. An excellent time to catch big Browns on streamers, pink scuds, beadhead nymphs, cressbugs and the like work well too. Some fish rising to midges.

Late April - May: Streamers & Nymphs still producing some larger Browns. Baetis hatches begin, mixed with midges. Some very good dry fly days just before run-off.

June - early July: Traditionally the high water period on the Missouri and mountain rivers. Waters are clear, but less productive for fly fisherman when volumes are high. In low water years, excellent fishing continues with Baetis and Midges. Starting around the third week of June, PMD's and caddis begin hatching in force. When the water is low, this is great fishing. Call for river updates. There are excellent lake options nearby with big trout. We also fish other regional rivers at this time, including the upper Big Hole.

July - August: This is the prime dry fly season. PMD's and caddis boom through July into August. Tricos kick in from mid-July on. Damsel flies add an unusual twist in the heat of the summer. The hot weather period of late August - early September can slow fishing a bit, as it does on most of Montana's rivers, but this is when the Hopper fishing really turns on.

October - November: Prime fishing on the Missouri with exceptional dry fly fishing. Baetis, midges and caddis keep the fish rising. The fall Baetis fishing is among the very best of the year. Nymphs and streamers produce well also. After late summer's heat, the trout reinvigorate, coming on strong to cooling water. Rising fish are less picky at this time and a few BIG browns are caught each fall in the 25-30" class. Duck and upland bird hunting starts with great hunting on the river and in the vicinity.

Click Here to see the Big Missouri River Map.

Stream Flow Information

Current Weather Conditions

Up to Date Hatch Information

Happy New Year! 2008 is here! The season is here and is booking fast, so to ensure your choice dates and guides contact us soon. Dan kelly and his guides look forward to fishing with you this season.

Email:dantana@wolfcreekoutfitters.com
Toll Free: (866) 688-7688
Cell Phone: (406) 949-9000

Wolf Creek Outfitters
P.O. Box 285
Cascade, Montana 59421