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Below Canyon Ferry Lake the river flows for approximately
one mile to Hauser Lake. This short stretch of river
is noted for very large fish and also a lot of fishing
pressure. Large streamers and nymphs usually work best
in this area.
From Hauser Dam to Holter Lake the Missouri is once
again known for its migrating trout. At the right time
of year, you have the chance of catching a "lunker".
This is also a recreational area with many other outdoor
activities available. We have finally made it! After
passing three dams already, the next is the most significant
by most standards. Below Holter Dam the river takes
on its characteristics as a large "spring creek". This
tail-water stretch all the way to Cascade spans thirty
four miles of cold water. Trout flourish in these waters
and the abundant population of insects makes it a great
dry fly fishery. These are resident trout unlike most
of the fish in the other areas above Holter Lake and
are known as "reel screaming" river fish. These fish
will easily strip you into your backing especially
on the light tippets needed to fool them.
The water from Holter dam to Cascade is very flat
in most areas. Riffles and runs break up the large
pools in some spots. An area called Half Breed Rapids
can make drifting through very difficult for an inexperienced
boater. It is an area that has quite a few boulders
and fast water, making the stretch between the Prewett
Recreation Area and the Pelican Point Recreation Area
more for the experienced oarsman. We would discourage
people from taking pontoons, float tubes or other small
watercraft through this stretch. This section could,
however, be considered treacherous during high water
and people should be encouraged to check with the local
fly shop for river conditions before attempting this
stretch. Along this area from Holter Dam to Cascade
are the towns of Wolf Creek, Craig and Hardy. The river
flows northeast to Great falls and eventually east
through Fort Peck Lake reaching North Dakota several
hundred miles later. Access to the Missouri is gained
via route 287, Interstate 15 and secondary roads. There
are many access points along the river to either wade
or float fish from. Contact a local shop for more details.
Hatches on the Missouri include a few different insects. Blue-winged
Olives, Pale
Morning Duns and Tricos make
up much of the mayflies. Tan, black and October caddis
make up much of the caddis hatches. Although there
is not a diverse range of hatches the ones that do
occur come off in very large numbers. The water at
times can be covered with bugs making the fishing
difficult but exciting. Changing currents also make
getting a drag free drift very difficult. Look for
feeding lanes, also called "scum lines", to form
where food is funneled to the trout.
If you're coming to the Missouri River the closest
airports with commercial flights is in either Helena
or Great Falls. Helena will put you closer to some
of the other fabled rivers to the south if variety
is what your looking for. The Missouri River is one
not to over look. Its diverse waters are among some
of the finest in Montana. |
