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. Beginning in April, BWOs emerge and continue to hatch through May and sometimes on into June.

Usually, by the first week of June, 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 between the hatches. The Missouri is known to be a technical river and drag free drifts are a must at all times. We generally fish 10 hour days and like to get on the water early around 7:00am. Having a rental car allows you to fish the evenings as it does not get dark until after 9:00 pm.

We spend a large amount of time guiding and fishing the month of May and the first 3 weeks of June out of Craig, Montana. The Madison River can be blown out with mud throughout May and June and though nymphing can be good, better dry fly fishing is found on the Missouri. Most of our clients fly into Helena or Great Falls, rent a car and spend between 2 and 5 days fishing this section of the Missouri River.

There are numerous places to stay up and down the river as the town of Wolf Creek is just 5 miles away and the town of Craig, Montana is literally right on the river. Big Sky Anglers can help visiting anglers arrange lodging as there are spacious log cabins overlooking the river available for groups of 2 to 10 anglers. There are hotels in Cascade, Montana just 15 minutes north of Craig as well. 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.

There is a 2 day minimum required unless we are currently guiding the river and already there.