TRIP REPORT: THE MISSOURI RIVER AND MISSOULA

YDFA TRIP REPORT: THE MISSOURI RIVER AND MISSOULA

Yellow Dog team members, Jake Wells and Chris Overman, just returned from fishing a few of the famed waters of Western Montana, including the Missouri River out of Craig, Montana and the Clark Fork River out of Missoula, Montana. Many of the US West fisheries are starting to transition into their fall fishing seasons, and Montana is no exception when it comes to outstanding fishing during the fall months.

With the Missouri River being a true tailwater, and the city of Missoula situated at an elevation of only 3,200 feet above sea level, these two destinations offer anglers opportunities at very good fishing for trophy trout well into October and even November. The trip started at The Lodge at Eagle Rock where Jake and Chris were hosted by Jason and Jen Newmack.

After a very personable stay along with exquisite food and comfortable accommodations, it was off on a jet boat ride to the "Land of the Giants" below the Hauser Dam where they targeted big rainbows on streamers. Next, they visited owner and operator Chip Anderson at the Missouri River Ranch. After good food and service, Jake and Chris drove only a few hundred yards down the ranch’s private road to fish over one mile of their private river frontage on the Missouri River. From there it was onto Missoula to visit the Missoula River Lodge.

The lodge is owned and operated by former NFL linebacker Joe Cummings. At any time of the year, guides and their clients can find themselves on Missoula’s home waters of the Bitterroot River, Blackfoot River, Clark Fork River, and Rock Creek. On that particular day, Jake and Chris were paired with top guide, Evan Phillipe, for a float down the lower Clark Fork.

They decided to go for quality over quantity, and a few nicer trout were brought to the net that made for a great day on the river. With fall hatches knocking on the door, Western Montana including the Missouri River and the home waters of Missoula, Montana can offer some of the best dry fly fishing of the year, and opportunities for catching a trophy trout on a streamer.

These along with other blue ribbon rivers such as The Bighorn and The Yellowstone are some of our favorite fall fisheries here at Yellow Dog.

Ready to go fly fishing in Montana?

We thought so! Contact Shaun Lawson or Jake Wells to help with your next adventure.