The Missouri River : Fly Fishing

Missouri River : Holter Dam to Pelican Access FAS

This stretch of the Missouri River, which runs for thirty miles, receives the bulk of the fishing pressure. As fly fishing pressure is heavy, the trout, a mix of rainbows and browns, can be very picky about what they eat, requiring delicate presentations on light tackle with precise fly imitations. An average rainbow in this stretch will run between 14 to 18 inches, with the browns a tad larger.

Photo Use Guidelines

Do not visit this stretch if you are seeking solitude. It is unlikely you will find it except in the worst weather conditions. On a typical summer day, it is not at all uncommon to see rafts stretched out along the Misouri River as far as the eye can see. Fly fishing from shore is also very popular, especially around the numerous fishing access sites, and can lead to some congestion between shore fisherman and floaters.

The Missouri River in this stretch first flows through a small canyon just below Holter Dam. At the Wolf Creek Access Site, the Missouri River emerges into a small, agricultural valley that is flanked by small mountains. The river soon enters a canyon as it passes through the mountains on its way to the prairie. The canyon stretch has small mountains bordering the river, sometimes coming right up to the riverbanks. The mountains tend to be quite arid and are sparsely forested. The riverbanks themselves, however, are a mix of trees, brush, grass and fields, providing a wonderful mix of habitat.

Between Holter Dam and the confluence with the Dearborn River, the Missouri River offers quality fly fishing throughout the year, as the dam regulates the rivers flows. Below the confluence with the Dearborn River, the Missouri River generally runs clear except for when the Dearborn is at high water. If the Dearborn is running high, expect the Missouri River to turn very turbid below this point, severely limiting fly fishing opportunities.

Throughout this stretch, the Missouri River is of moderate width. It is also frequently deep, limiting the ability to wade across it.

Photo Use Guidelines

Between Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Access, the Missouri River flows quite slowly. Although this stretch is only three miles, between the slow river flows and the high winds, floating this section can take a while and may require some rowing if wind conditions are not favorable. Below Wolf Creek Access, the Missouri River slowly begins to pick up pace, and by the time the Missouri River reaches the canyon stretch, it flows at a very solid rate.

During the winter months, for those anglers willing to brave the often cold and windy elements, midges form the primary diet of the trout. Decent fly fishing can be had fishing on both top water using small dry flies as well as fishing sub-surface using small emerger patterns. Popular flies include Griffiths Gnat for adult midges and the Midge Pupa for the emerger patterns.

Spring sees the beginning of the Blue Wing Olive hatches, which typically begins in late April and lasts through June. These hatches can occur anytime between early mornings up until mid-afternoon. Popular imitations include a Parachute Adams or a Baetis Parachute for top water fishing and a Bead Head Hare's Ear when fishing sub-surface. Sizes of these flies should be small, ranging from 16-24, on light tippets.

Beginning in June and lasting well into August, the Missouri Rivers prime hatch occurs, the Pale Morning Dun (PMD). The PMD hatch on the Missouri River can begin at any time and last throughout the day. Effective top water patterns include the Parachute PMD, the PMD Cripple, Sparkle Dun, in sizes 16-22. The Hare's Ear Nymph and the Pheasant Tail Nymph, in sizes 16-20, are popular nymph patterns.

Photo Use Guidelines

The PMD hatch offers fly fisherman an excellent opportunity to catch very large trout on small dry flies. However, it needs to be noted that fly fishing the PMD hatch requires excellent presentation on light tackle. Drag free floats, a quiet approach and perfect casting all are required for fly fisherman who want to catch the larger trout. As this is the main hatch on the Missouri River and it occurs during the summer (the height of tourist season), fishing pressure is very heavy. The result, not surprisingly, is that the trout can be exceptionally finicky.

The Missouri River flows through prime hopper country. Not surprisingly, beginning in late July and lasting for the rest of the summer, hopper fishing provides excellent fly fishing. Fish the hopper along the banks, occasionally giving them a good yank to imitate their struggle while on the water. Popular hopper patterns include Joe's Hopper, Dave's Hopper, and Henry's Fork Hopper, in sizes 6-8.

Fall sees the return of the PMD hatches. The fall PMD hatch generally runs from early September through mid-October, or until the first really cold weather arrives.

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