The Missouri River is one of the nation's richest tailwater fisheries. Long-known for monster brown trout in the fall, the scenic Missouri below Holter Dam also boasts one of the state's best dry fly rainbow fisheries. Summer dry fly action for trout in the 14" to 20" class can be fantastic!

The river is for the most part a shallow willow-lined river with a fine gravel bottom. Lush weed beds give cover and food to thousands of trout. March through May, the Missouri fishes well for large browns on streamers and crayfish patterns. The dry fly year starts early with midge and baetis hatches in April and May; mid-summer sees the Missouri's famous "trico" spinner falls that bring thousands of gulpers to the surface. Good dry fly action can be had from April through November. Nearly 40 miles of quality water allows us to choose from many prime stretches of the Missouri.

The Smith River is one of the few rivers in Montana where you can experience quality trout fishing in a remote setting. The river runs through a beautiful, secluded limestone canyon surrounded by National Forest and large ranches. There are no public access points in this 60-mile stretch, resulting in near wilderness conditions along much of the river. Golden Eagles nest in the high cliffs. Mink, otter, black bear and mule deer feed along the river's edge. Elk and cougar roam the high country. The river itself is a joy to fish. Riffles and pools alternate with undercut cliffs, grassy banks, and spring seepage weed beds in endless succession, presenting the angler with every possible fishing situation.

Unlike many large and brawling Montana rivers, the Smith is a small, spring fed, intimate stream, ideal for wading and float fishing. It is perhaps the perfect trout stream. With as diverse and plentiful hatches as any river in Montana, the Smith is one of those rare gems that can be a superb "match the hatch" river, yet also fishes extremely well with larger attracter patterns. Trips run from April to November.