When is the best time to fish the Missouri?
That is a tough question, because there is never really a bad time to fish the Missouri. We are spoiled by the tail-water system controlled by several dams, so runoff and high water are not much of a concern. Our prime fishing season usually begins in March and ends mid-November. Fishing in the spring and fall is usually very good, but the weather can be unpredictable.
The best dry fly fishing is typically mid-May through mid-August and picks up again in mid-September through the end of the Autumn.
The small streams we fish are usually best in June and July.
March/ April- Baetis and midges, and the ever-present aquatic life of a tailwater.
May/June/July - March Browns Caddis and PMD's
July/August - Trico's and Terrestrials
September/October - Psuedo's and Baetis
The Nymphing is always pretty good.
How do I get to the lodge?
The lodge is located near the town of Craig, which sits halfway between Helena and Great Falls on interstate-15. Depending on where you are traveling from and connecting flights, one airport may offer a better itinerary than the other. Each airport is within an hour of the lodge. The lodge does offer a shuttle service for those who do not wish to rent a car.
How are gratuities handled?
The average Missouri River guide tip is $100-150 per boat and it's preferable that the tipping be handed directly to your guide. If you would like to leave a tip on a card or by check, our manager will see to it that guide tips are paid out as requested. We utilize a gratuity pool for staff tipping and the manager can advise which staff are included in the pool. Most guests tip 10% percent of their invoice total towards the staff pool. These are guidelines and suggestions only.
Directions to the lodge?
The Lodge is very easy to find. We are located right on the river near I-15 and just off the Dearborn Exit, or Exit 240.
From Helena: Take I-15 north towards Great Falls to Dearborn Exit (240). The lodge is located off to the left of the interstate on Cooper Drive.
From Great Falls: Take I-15 south towards Helena. Take Dearborn exit (240). The lodge is located directly in front of you on Cooper Drive.
What should customers bring?
Clothing:
- Socks (2 polypro/wool/cotton)
- Light weight shirts (2 long sleeved/1 short sleeved)
- Fleece pullover or sweater
- Warm jacket (mornings can be below 40 degrees)
- One pair thermal wear (2 pair if no fleece pants) – early/late season
- Pants: one pair quick dry; one pair casual (jeans/chinos); one pair fleece for underneath waders – (early/late season)
- T-shirts and shorts (quick dry)
- Gloves or convertible mittens (fleece) – (early/late season)
(Of course, how much you pack will be determined by how many days you are staying. Housekeeping will do your laundry the day it best fits with your stay or every other day if it’s a long stay)
Footwear:
- Slip-ons for comfort wear in and around the Lodge
- Wading boots or river sandals/shoes
- Camp shoes or Hiking shoes
Fishing Gear:
- Hat (wide brimmed)
- Sunglasses (polarized are best)
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants if not using waders – (early/late season)
- We provide any/all fishing equipment, as needed. Or you are welcome to bring your own. Guests usually fish 8 or 9 foot; 4-6 weights.
Montana Fishing License: MT fishing licenses can be purchased in advance on the Montana FWP Online Licensing link: https://app.mt.gov/als/index/index.html You can also visit one of the several fly shops in Craig or go to any Montana sporting goods store.
Miscellaneous:
- Camera
- Book or journal
- Sunscreen & lip protection Species Tab