Missouri River

The "Big Muddy" or "Mighty Mo" are nicknames you may hear when people talk about this premier fly-fishing river.   These terms may scar you off as a fly-fishermen, but once you hear stories of the fish caught on this river you won't be able to stay away.

The Big Muddy is formed at Three Forks, Montana where the Madison, Gallatin, & the Jefferson rivers come together.  The river flows from Three Forks to Great Falls, Montana and covers 150 miles in the process.  Along the way several large reservoirs of water are formed.  Canyon Ferry, Hauser Lake, & Holter Lake are all formed by this giant river.  A slow, easily navigate able river that reaches 100 yards in width at most places.

Every year large browns & rainbows in excess of 10 pounds or more are taken on flies.  Casting large mouse patterns with weed guards onto its banks and pulling them back into the river catch some large fish waiting to feed.  Fall fishing is particular good with huge browns moving out of the reservoir and into the river to spawn.  Big Wolly-Buggers or other streamers create some very exciting fishing.  Watch for rainbows to begin there run in the first weeks of March.

Blue Wing Olives will appear in May along with a Golden Stone Fly hatch.  By June the river starts to see its first hatch of Caddis flies that last well into September.  Attractor dries work wonders in the summer months.  P.M.D.'s & Tricos will also appear in the summer mornings and by afternoon hoppers, ants, & other terrestrials work well.

To see a map of the Missouri click here.

If you would like to purchase a detailed map of the Missouri, click here.

 

Here are just a few recommend patterns for the Missouri.