Montana is home to some of the most amazing fishing opportunities in the Northwest. Our favorite fishing haunts are those that are rarely visited, breathtakingly beautiful, and offer rich sporting opportunities. There are more miles of quality trout water within a one-hour drive of Missoula than anywhere else we can think of. Combine that with quality lodging, outstanding food, and all the activities in a fun university town, and… well, you can see why we are here!
Land of the Giants
The Land of the Giants derives its well-known moniker from the size of the fish, often seen in the 18–23” range. Larger fish, up to 26”, are not uncommon either. Located on the Missouri River, about 20 miles from the historic city of Helena, Montana, this breathtaking section of the river is about three miles long and is set in a spectacular, steep canyon with large, rugged rock formations, requiring a jet boat to fully access the river. Drift MT has one of a limited number of Coast Guard Captain’s Licenses, enabling us to take full advantage of this amazing stretch of water. We launch the boat from Upper Holter Lake, just a stone’s throw from the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness. Even if you’re not fishing, simply taking in the view of the Gates and the canyon is worth the trip.
The fishery in this section of the river is unique. The fish benefit from all the best features of a tailwater and a lake. The fish move to and from the lake where they grow rapidly on a rich diet, resulting in fat and healthy browns and rainbows. |
In the river, the fish enjoy the cool, stable water temperatures of the tailwater delivered from the nearby Hauser Dam, and are accessible to fly fishermen. At times, the number of trout per mile exceeds anything we have experienced in any river in North America. You’ll have to see it to believe it.
The river fishes well from mid-March until December, when the lake freezes. However, this is our “go to option” in the spring. Because it is a tailwater, the river has fairly constant flows and temperatures and is not “blown out” by normal spring snow melt conditions. As a result, it is much easier for travelers to plan a trip to the Missouri than other Western Montana options. Drift MT also offers half-day and full-day walleye and perch fishing excursions. |
MT'S Undiscovered GemWhen most people think about fishing in Montana, they think of fly fishing for trout. This is true for both locals and visitors. However, below the confluence of the Clark Fork and Flathead River is a fantastic warm water fishery. Because it is off the radar for all but a few local fishermen, the area is largely uncrowded and the fishing pressure is light.
In this stretch between Paradise, Thompson Falls, and the Idaho border, we fish for smallmouth bass and large pike. Some of the pike we’ve caught hit 20 pounds on the scale. Both species are excellent game fish, known for their fighting prowess. The lower Clark Fork is home to tremendous populations of pike and bass, as well as trout, perch, and walleye in some areas. The lower Clark Fork is at its best when the rest of the fishing in Western Montana slows down. As the Blackfoot and Bitterroot get warm in mid to late summer, the fishing slows; and, frankly, the fishing pressure is hard on the trout. However, the Clark Fork shines during the heat of the summer. Our best smallmouth bass and pike fishing occurs when water temperatures are between 60–75 degrees. |
Bitterroot RiverThe Bitterroot River flows south to north through the Bitterroot Valley for roughly 78 miles. This freestone stream – prime cutthroat water – begins with the convergence of the East and West Forks of the Bitterroot River. As the river makes its way to the confluence with the Clark Fork in Missoula, it winds through a broad river valley, carving out long holes, undercutting banks, creating braids, and depositing trees. The Bitterroot hosts large populations of all of Montana’s trout species.
The magic of this river is the dry fly fishing for large trout. The hatches of the Bitterroot are legendary. Early in the year, stoneflies are the draw: Skawala stoneflies, salmon flies, golden stones, and Bitterroot stones. As we transition into summer, mayflies, caddis, and terrestrials take over. |
Clark Fork River
The Clark Fork starts as a small creek near Butte, flows through Missoula as a healthy river, and leaves Montana 200 miles later as the largest river flowing out of state. Along the way, there is a little something for everyone.
The upper river is just a small stream until it meets Rock Creek, a lively, fast flowing stream. Initially a brown trout haven, the Clark Fork River offers a good mix of browns and rainbows for most of its length. The fishing pressure here is less than in some of the other Missoula waters, and the dry fly action can be spectacular. |
The lower river is a different animal. Below Missoula, the Clark Fork becomes a large river and shares many of the Bitterroot River’s characteristics, such as large fly hatches and beautiful trout. Especially in the spring, the Skawala stonefly hatches rival any others in the area. In addition, this river has become a quality pike fishery.
In the spring and fall, we do several combined trout and pike trips, and opportunities for catching a 10+ pound pike on the fly is not something to be missed! We use the jet boat on this water in the spring and late fall to access the best runs and sloughs. |
Blackfoot RiverMade famous by the book and movie A River Runs Through It, the Blackfoot has undergone an amazing transformation over the past 20 years. A cooperative effort between local fishing organizations, ranchers, and the State of Montana has cleaned up the effects of logging and mining and has improved fishing access.
There is very little that is delicate about the Blackfoot. A freestone river characterized by big boulders, deep pools, and clear water, it is water for big fish and big flies. Some of the biggest fish caught in the Missoula area are pulled out of the Blackfoot. Much of the 70 mile stretch is set in between canyon walls with sheer cliffs, colorful rock formations, and studded with local wildlife. Many locals leave the rods behind and float the river during the summer to enjoy the peaceful scenery. |
Georgetown LakeGeorgetown Lake is located about an hour and half to the east of Missoula. Georgetown is located at 6,500 feet, on the edge of the scenic Pintler Wilderness. The lake boasts plentiful, large rainbows and some trophy brook trout. Much of the fishing is subsurface, using streamers and nymphs. However, there is some tremendous dry fly action on damselflies, large caddisflies, and callibaetis.
Georgetown Lake is a scenic wonderland. The views of the Pintlar Mountains are fantastic and moose sightings in the lake are common. The lake itself is crystal clear and the bottom is covered with tall weed beds like an overgrown spring creek. Our favorite times to fish the lake are following the thaw in late May or June, and then again in the fall. In addition to Georgetown Lake, we fish several other lakes in the area, especially early in the season. |