For thirty miles below Holter Dam the Missouri River winds its way out of a high mountain valley, into a beautiful canyon then northward through grasslands and rolling hills.  Spring on the Missouri River just might be our favorite time of the entire year.  The low altitude of this river allows it to fish much earlier in the fishing season than most rivers in the West.  Beginning in March we see the first hatch of the season – Midges.  Sometime in Late April and on into May, BWOs emerge.  Some years these little mayflies will hatch through the first week of June.  In low water years, caddis and then PMDs hatch out in huge numbers creating a dry fly paradise that can be as good as it gets for any serious dry fly fisherman.  Prior to the hatch, fishing the riffles with a dry and a dropper produces great angling as well.  As always, nymphing with a two fly rig is a great way to fish  – all day long.  The Missouri is known to be a technical river and drag free drifts are a must at all times.  However, teaching an new angler to catch trout on the Missouri is one of the most enjoyable parts of our job.  Since 2008, the Missouri has experienced high flows from good winter snowpack.  These higher flows normally start around the first week of June and then subside by the first week of July.  At flows above 6000 cfs, the dry fly fishing is limited.  These trout prefer to eat subsurface. 

We generally fish 9-10 hour days and like to get on the water early, around 8 am or so.  Having a rental car allows you to fish the evenings as it does not get dark until after 9:00 pm.  Don’t forget about Izaak’s Resturant in Craig.  It’s getting famous for it’s great food, live music and fun times.

We spend the months of April, May, June, a bit of July and October on the Missouri River.  While  angling and guiding we are based out of quaint little fishing village of Craig, Montana.  Most of our clients fly into Helena or Great Falls, rent a car and spend between 2 and 3 days fishing below Holter Dam on the Missouri River.  There are numerous places to stay up and down the river, in and around Craig and the town of Wolf Creek is just 5 miles away.  Big Sky Anglers can help visiting anglers arrange lodging for groups of 2 to 10 anglers…..bigger groups are welcome, but planning time is required.  There are hotels in Cascade, Montana just 15 minutes north of Craig as well.  As a last result, Helena and Great Falls will accomodate your lodging needs.

We offer a Fishing and Lodging Package for the Missouri if you would like us to arrange your lodging. Once you pick your dates we will help you book your fishing residence and fill you in on the details for your trip. The guide rate is below and the cost of lodging is based on your needs. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay $90-265per night for 2 people in a cabin or motel room. If coming with a group of four or more we recommend one of the many houses available to rent in the area. Most of these rent for $265-500 per night.

Guide Trip Rates for the Missouri: $450 per day for 1 or 2 anglers and includes flies, rods, reels, lunches and drinks.