The Missouri River is a heavily fished waterway, especially from June through August. Obstaclesflood debris, down trees, logjams, bridge abutments, fence materials, emergent or submerged rocks and boulders. A few to check out are listed below. This is a smaller, but winding river, so be prepared to backpaddle to contend with possible flood debris and sudden turns. He created DIY Fly Fishing to help you do the same. Three are big rivers, and two are small. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Kayak:Closer to the water, good for waves, usually more maneuverable, carries less gear, come in a variety of styles, generally a one person craft requiring technique and skill. As long as the flow rate is above 3,000 cfs, any vessel is suitable from Sappington Bridge FAS to Drouillard FAS (15 miles). It flows through beautiful prairie country. Tubing in Montana is a fantastic way to spend your day. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Spin fisherman also have success with various large spoons, spinners as well as live bait. As long as the flow rate is above 3,000 cfs, any vessel is suitable from Sappington Bridge FAS to Drouillard FAS (15 miles). One note: the possibility of increased flow from Hungry Horse Dam located upstream on the South fork. Some of these dams are quite extensive and difficult to portage. Copyright 2023 DIY Fly Fishing, all rights reserved. They do not handle wind well. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! And its all happening between Columbia Falls and downtown Kalispell. Access from the river is possible to the small towns of Poplar and Brockton Montana, located in the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. The Missouri River is in United States of America. The Virgelle Ferry started in 1913 and today is a popular point of departure for canoeists floating this scenic stretch of river. The Ferry is seasonal, operating from mid April to mid November, depending on the ice on the Missouri. With 550 floatable river miles, one of my favorite segments is Columbus to Laurel. Thus any particular segment makes a very reasonable trip. In Through the Breaks, from Stio, the American Prairie Reserve, and filmmaker Tom Attwater, Cajune takes his family on a float trip to explore Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Start thinking in terms of cubic feet per second (cfs) and document your travel times, safety issues, obstacles, and experiences based on that flow. Retailers, fishing shops, rafting companies and shuttle providers are all good sources of information. The Lower Missouri River, which is loosely defined as downstream from Fort Benton to the North Dakota border, is a beautiful and secluded river. With a natural flood corridor, there are islands and secondary channels. Learn more about, The North Fork Flathead River is a wonderful river to float. Just make sure to leave the glass at home and take any garbage from the float with you. In the spring, at high flow, there are lots of sloughs and side channels to explore. They may, depending on flow rate, be a little long for rafts and drift boats, so be sure to check with local sources of information regarding estimating floating times. Some segments are more suitable for powerboats, some more suitable for canoes. Is there anything more peaceful than cruising down a Montana river in a raft (or a tube, if youre brave) on a warm, sunny day? The drive from Billings into Helena, which is where I would recommend you stay, is a simple one. The color is created by rock flour mixing with the water, and it is definitely worth placing on your Montana bucket list. A short drive off of I-15 will place you at this fishing hotbed. Find out more about, Absaroka River Adventures, 113 W Grove St, Absarokee, MT 59001, USA, There are numerous places to float the Missouri River in the Great Falls area. Stay safe This article is an itinerary. Streamers are an excellent fly to use for the rainbows in this section, especially on a sinking or sink tip line. Many people in America know the Missouri River, and its the same here in Montana. You can get directions to fishing access sites and boat ramps using with the DIY Fly Fishing Web App. Policies in the other states vary. Listed below are selected river miles on the Missouri River, from Great Falls downstream to the North Dakota Border. This is a long stretch, but if you have a good flow rate and craft you can do it in a day. The Bitterroot River Valley in western Montana is spectacular, and floating a river is the best way to experience it. The ride is free, but operated at your own risk. The water is fundamentally flat and easy to navigate, but wind is common and is a potential hazard for the unwary. The Bitterroot River Valley in western Montana is spectacular, and floating a river is the best way to experience it. While the populations of fish are phenomenal, this does not mean that they are easy to catch. Chances are, you will want to fly into Billings Logan International Airport and then take the 3 1/2 hour scenic drive into your fly fishing destination. The Jefferson is relatively small and intimate. You'll love Kootenai Falls near Libby for a classic waterfall that has two sides joining in the middle and splashing into a picturesque pool below. With a natural flood corridor, there are islands and secondary channels. June through August is the prime time of year for fly fishing this portion of the Missouri River. If you use the resource, consider how you can help maintain it. If you decide to join them, they might even be generous to share their beer with you. And fed by the high nutrient water of the Missouri River, these fish can get really big, making for interesting fishing stories. Love Montana? It was the route of the Lewis and Clark expedition, Native Americans, fur traders, steamboats and railroads. CONTACT 406-378-3110. Click Here for BLM Rules and regulations for the Upper Missouri River Breaks 2. You can view the 2023 schedule here . Wade fishing is aplenty, as are the options for floating the river. Spring and early summer can be the most hazardous times due to melting snow and spring rain. It's the perfect place for a beautiful, peaceful river float. There are numerous designated access sites, and its pretty easy to navigate. The monument spans 149 miles of the Upper Missouri River from Fort Benton to the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. The water is fundamentally flat and easy to navigate, but wind is common and is a potential hazard for the unwary. Thank you! This may significantly change the river flow rate. This is a long stretch, but if you have a good flow rate and craft you can do it in a day. The river is rarely used for float fishing and its classification as a Wild or Scenic River limits the use of motorboats. Big scenery, a great braided and frequently flooded channel, and proximity to the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge make this particular segment naturally attractive. Were all looking for that perfect meal, that to-die-for cappuccino, that little slice of something that says, Hey, I was here, and I fully experienced all things Missoula.. Its always been my feeling that the Jeff comes the closest to providing an environmental experience akin to what the members of the Lewis and Clark expedition experienced as they followed the course of our Montana rivers. What are access points? There are some small bridges, most are no problem, but the old railroad bridge above Headwaters has folded more than a few canoes at high flows. If you're hoping to find a combination of a waterfall and pool, check out Mill Creek Falls in Hamilton. This stretch of the Missouri is a fine introduction to the Mighty Mo, which just might inspire you to tackle the weeklong trip downstream. Its always been my feeling that the Jeff comes the closest to providing an environmental experience akin to what the members of the Lewis and Clark expedition experienced as they followed the course of our Montana rivers. Other than this short stretch, the Missouri River is a warm water fishery downstream from Fort Benton. Multiple channels and backwaters provide a diversity of paddling options, making it a great place to recreate and hone your basic paddling skills. River hazards include strong currents, sand bars, snags, dams, and bad weather--particularly thunder storms. Its also known for producing huge northern pike and walleye, which draws many spin anglers in search of a trophy. Starting at Fort Benton, Montana: 150 miles of free flowing river through spectacular badlands. You can decide how long youd like to float and how brave youre feeling that day so theyre able to give you your best experience. West Boundary Charles Russell Wildlife Refuge : 330. The countryside is also different, with the buttes and cliffs giving way to more or a rolling prairie with cottonwood trees along the rivers banks. The Yellowstone is big, long, wild, and loaded with history. Yet the sacrifice of isolation is worth the fish populations and the beautiful countryside. Robert made his first canoe trip down the Missouri River in 2016 and has enjoyed returning to float with his friend Haley and Brett almost every year since. River access is not a challenge from the Holter Dam to the city of Cascade. Much of the river is not near roads, braids nicely, and has excellent wildlife habitat. Understand Headhunters Fly Shop publishes an excellent Missouri River fishing map showing the location of MT FWS Fishing Access Sites, boat ramps and wade fishing areas. Multiple channels and backwaters provide a diversity of paddling options, making it a great place to recreate and hone your basic paddling skills. The White Cliffs area is a High Potential Historic Site on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Rainbow trout average between 14-18 inches while the browns measure in a bit larger. Possibly the lower 48 states. If you're planning a camping trip, check out Martin Creek. However, the Lower Missouri River offers floating and rafting trips like no other place in Montana, and throws in the additional benefits of plenty of solitude in a very unique and historic setting. Rain suit/dry clothes/stable river footwear, Survival kit fire starter, noisemaker (whistle), space blanket, cloth tape, knife, River maps/pencil and paper to collect your own notes for future reference, Paddling Montana by Hank and Carol Fischer. 1. Amazingly fertile, with prolific hatches of mayflies, caddis, and midges, the Missouri River fishes well year-round. Montana Stream Access Law ([1][dead link])- "all water capable of recreational use can be so used by the public (between the ordinary high water marks) without regard to the ownership of the land underlying the waters." Make sure you have the proper boat and equipment and know how to use it. See more about. Copyright 2017 Montana River Outfitters - Site by, Floating Montana: 5 Favorite River Floats, www.waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current?type=flow, http://www.distinctlymontana.com/article/floating-montana. Drift Boat:Very comfortable, usually handle whitewater reasonably well, easily maneuverable with practice, good for carrying gear. This free flowing 150 mile reach is often too shallow for powerboats. Rainbows and Browns aplenty, with many of them exceeding 16 inches, it is no wonder this section of the Missouri has the reputation that it does. Due to the heavy pressure found on this waterway, a precise and delicate approach will be necessary to attract the larger trout. Cold and high water, sudden changes in weather, large waves, floating debris, strong and fast currents can all be very dangerous. The city of Helena, conveniently located 45 miles to the south of Holter Dam and right off of I-15, holds numerous hotels and restaurants. The Missouri River then empties into Fort Peck Lake, a massive lake stretching across a sizable chunk of eastern Montana. On a hot Missoula day you will be sure to find hundreds of floaters passing through town on their tubes. Generally the free flowing areas and lakes are 150 miles or longer. Check out more about, Clearwater River Canoe Trail, 3583 MT-83, Seeley Lake, MT 59868, USA, If youre new to floating or dont own any equipment, Bozemans Madison River has got you covered. Missouri River (Montana) The Missouri is the longest river in the United States, flowing more than 2,500 miles from its source on the eastern slope of the Rockies near Three Forks, Montana, to its confluence with the Mississippi River at St. Louis, Missouri. Dedicate a day to one of these, This Little Known Lake In Montana Will Be Your New Favorite Summer Destination, Montanas Most Colorful Lakeshore Is Stunning And You Need To See It, This One Lake Has The Absolute Bluest Water In Montana, Youll Want To Visit This Lake For The Most Beautiful Colored Pebbles In Montana, Theres Nothing Better Than Montanas Natural Lazy River On A Summers Day, Take These 11 Country Roads In Montana For An Unforgettable Scenic Drive, 10 Perfect Places To Go In Montana If Youre Feeling Adventurous, The 9 Best Backroads In Montana For A Long Scenic Drive. Many retail gear shops, clubs and organizations, and universities will have classes in which you can learn from experienced folks. Your next step is to plan your trip's time frame. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Weather by NOAA Current Conditions: Fair Temp: 25F Wind: North at 8mph This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Become familiar with Montanas Stream Access Law. Slightly further downstream at the confluence of the Yellowstone River is Fort Buford. The Missouri is navigable by canoe and/or powerboat from Headwaters State Park near Three Forks, however there are 8 dams between Toston and Fort Benton. The countryside the river flows through is quite unique, with tall canyons, large arid buttes and awesome rock formations lining the river. Click to reveal Remember to recreate responsibly as you explore all of the water activities available on Missoula's rivers and surrounding lakes. // Top 5 Montana River Floating Favorites from MT River Outfitters By angelamontana Posted: July 7, 2021 Floating a river is great recreational fun. As a result, its quieter and fairly pristine. Always take (this is a partial list, so consider where you are going): Once you put on the river, you are committed, so be prepared. There are some incredible trails you can take in our state, so when you're looking for the best waterfall hikes in Montana, we've created a list of the best. This may significantly change the river flow rate. Dedicate a day to one of these Montana river floats. A good portion of this stretch, primarily the bottom half, is away from the asphalt and railroad tracks. In the spring, at high flow, there are lots of sloughs and side channels to explore. Scenic snags (logs) and shallow sandbanks are common. The Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Web site has good information. Why? Solitude can also be found below Fort Peck Lake, although access points are somewhat more frequent and the river skirts a few small towns. Great Falls until just above Fort Benton white water conditions apply and it is generally only navigable by raft or other whitewater type boats. Google Earth can be an easy way to view the put in and take out points and can give you a rough idea of obstacles and channel variation at the time of the image. Overall, the Lower Missouri River is not a place to visit for trout fishing. Know your beginning and ending landmarks. The diversity of channels and abundance of shoreline create excellent habitat, particularly for birds, but also for floaters. Below Fort Benton it is possible to float by canoe or powerboat the entire length. Typically these will be publicly announced, but be sure to pay attention and check flow rates. Looking for more places to fish in Montana? Oddly, these rainbows are not maintained by the state of Montana. This page is not available in other languages. Loma, MT 59460. Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Area, https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Floating_the_Missouri_River&oldid=4605244, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Licensed. Our rivers are some of our most valuable natural resources. What you can expect during peak times is wading fly fisherman mingling with drift boats. Additionally, its remote setting combined with far flung access points make day use difficult. This is a smaller, but winding river, so be prepared to backpaddle to contend with possible flood debris and sudden turns. Powerboats are very restricted, but canoe outfitters are abundant. Much of the river is very remote. Weather Missouri River at Toston MT Temperature: 63.86 F Streamflow: 9020 ft/s Gage height: 6.52 ft USGS Rapids and Float Notes The majority of this river is broad and slow, built for low key boating and ideal for canoes and paddling. Careful preparation and planning is necessary. As a result, its quieter and fairly pristine. With it's steady flows and splendid fishing, not to mention the attractive scenery, the river fills up with boat recreational floaters and float anglers whenever the days are warm. Three are big rivers, and two are small. Details. If you are a beginner, consider going mid-to-late summer and with experienced people. Take a hike around it to get a 360-degree view of the gorgeous body of water. Pierre South Dakota to St. Louis Missouri. It is possible to get to selected launching points by highway. River floating, fishing, picnicking, bicycling, hiking, interpretive programs, and photography are popular activities. If you're looking for some truly amazing natural beauty, head to the striking Grinnell Lake in Glacier National Park to see the bluest water in Montana. Of all Montana river trips, this is one of the absolute best. At higher flows, or with a good paddle craft, you may consider going all the way to Missouri Headwaters State Park (24 miles). They may, depending on flow rate, be a little long for rafts and drift boats, so be sure to check with local sources of information regarding estimating floating times. HOURS Monday - Saturday: 7:00am - 7:00pm Sunday: 9:00am - 5:00pm. .mw-parser-output .oo-ui-icon-unesco{background-image:url("https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b1/WorldHeritageBlanc.svg")}.mw-parser-output .oo-ui-icon-star{background-image:url("https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e7/Cscr-featured.svg")}.mw-parser-output .oo-ui-icon-ftt{background-image:url("https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Writing_Circle.svg/25px-Writing_Circle.svg.png")}.mw-parser-output .oo-ui-icon-dotm{background-image:url("https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/Yes_Check_Circle.svg/25px-Yes_Check_Circle.svg.png")}.mw-parser-output .oo-ui-icon-otbp{background-image:url("https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/Right_turn_icon_blue.svg/25px-Right_turn_icon_blue.svg.png")}. Many locals and well-traveled fly fishing connoisseurs consider it one of the best trout fishing sections of water in Montana. It's a perfect spot to spend the night surrounded by nature. During the summer, caddis and mayfly hatches are so prolific that it looks as though there is a mini blizzard over the river. U. S. Geologic Survey Real Time Data for Montana Streamflow. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Eight miles off US Highway 87, northeast of Fort Benton, the Virgelle Ferry crossing links backroad routes to Loma and other points. Not many anglers are so fortunate as to have fished these types of waters in parts of the country such as this. It's the best place to take a break from your busy day-to-day life. One note: the possibility of increased flow from Hungry Horse Dam located upstream on the South fork. Most of all, cherish the memories that will be made as they last a lifetime. Immerse yourself in this magnificent, wild landscape without hassle or worry. There is good camping at Itch-Kep-Pe, Buffalo Mirage. Here are 5 great floats that, mid-summer, are suitable for most skill levels and water craft. Is there anything more peaceful than cruising down a Montana river in a raft (or a tube, if youre brave) on a warm, sunny day? Tubing or floating the river in Missoula is a fun, relaxing way to get out and catch some sun while you cool off in the water. Missouri has an extensive water trail program with designated campsites every few miles. Much of the river through Montana and the Dakotas is very remote and you will be entirely dependent on your own resources. Put in at Columbus Itch-Kep-Pe Park and take out at either Buffalo Mirage Fishing Access Site (FAS) or Laurel Riverside Park, which are either 23 or 29 miles respectively. The forks and tributaries of the Flathead River provide numerous options, but for an incredible balance of shoreline picnic sites, scenery, convenience of access, ease of shuttle, and quality habitat its hard to beat a float from Teakettle FAS to the Old Steel Bridge FAS (15 miles). People are one of your best resources. Check carefully before going. Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State. Some points are quite close to airports or Amtrak routes. Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument[dead link]. Just downstream is the site where steamboats once loaded coal that was dug from the nearby hills at Coal Banks landing. Practice on slow and flat water, possibly a nearby lake or pond, then cautiously move up to a current. This will take you most of the day, but it will be worth every minute. Sunday: 9:00am - 5:00pm. Sizes 16-22 of the PMD Cripple, Sparkle Dun, and Parachute PMD have seen great results for topwater action during the PMD hatch for instance. Missouri River near the Montana--North Dakota border The Missouri--Mississippi River system forms the United States' longest stream. Admit it. If you decide to join them, they might even be generous to share their beer with you. The team at Headhunters refers to the time from November to April as swing season. 45 miles from Helena, Montana is Holter Dam. The wild and scenic section runs 150 miles down from Fort Benton and makes for a great canoe trip. After you have researched the river's rules and regulations you need to plan your river route. Read more about the, Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, 920 NE Main St, Lewistown, MT 59457, USA, This 10-mile stretch of the Clark Fork River is an all-day float, but it will be leisurely and pleasant. Big scenery, a great braided and frequently flooded channel, and proximity to the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge make this particular segment naturally attractive. Three are big rivers, and two are small. Tubing or floating the river in Missoula is a fun, relaxing way to get out and catch some sun while you cool off in the water. Thus, the Missouri River, particularly between Fort Benton and Fort Peck Lake (where the river flows through no towns and has no bridge crossings on this section) is an awesome place for long float trips. Our guide service is dedicated to ensuring an adventuresome, safe and memorable experience for all. Leaving the airport you will spend 43 miles on MT-3, 70 miles on MT-3/US-12, 29 miles on MT-294, 8 miles on US-89, and then a short hours drive on US-12 which takes you directly into Helena. We've got some amazing spots for our novice or veteran floaters to enjoy. Written By:http://www.distinctlymontana.com/article/floating-montana. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Fort Peck, Montana to Williston, North Dakota. Find out boating and camping regulations. Services in nearby Virgelle include historic accommodations at Virgelle Merc & Missouri River Canoe Company. The Jefferson does get dewatered by irrigators in the second half of the summer and may get very low in drought years, so go early (and often). The 130 mile lake behind Fort Peck Dam is entirely within the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Area. The MO also fishes fantastically in the shoulder seasons of Spring and Fall with Baetis and midges for dries and big, ugly streamers! Get Directions to the Fishing Access Points shown above with the DIY Fly Fishing Map. Ken is an avid fisherman of 40+ years who loves to explore and find new places to fish. Be considerate of other floaters, landowners and fisherman. Check out more about, Book a float with this company and theyll take you to the Stillwater River (the exact location depends on the river level). Put in at Columbus Itch-Kep-Pe Park and take out at either Buffalo Mirage Fishing Access Site (FAS) or Laurel Riverside Park, which are either 23 or 29 miles respectively. Canoeing the Upper Missouri River is like floating through history. The moments we live for in Montana. Raft:Very forgiving vessel, can carry gear and multiple people, a rowing frame helps a lot. You can get directions to fishing access sites and boat ramps using with the DIY Fly Fishing Web App. I always suggest to the anglers who make the trip to this beautiful part of the country to get a rental and take in all that Montana has to offer. Three are big rivers, and two are small. Spey fishing on the Missouri River with Headhunters Fly Shop. Below Fort Peck Lake, the river generally runs clear enough to allow productive fly fishing action for the warm water fish found there. Up and downstream of Cascade is an easy day trip for beginners with legendary fishing and spectacular white cliffs and breaks. To get a taste, consider paddling from Fort Benton (great boat ramps right in town) to Loma (Loma Bridge FAS, 22 miles downstream). Aside from the river's heavy silt load, there may be runoff containing agricultural chemicals. If nymphs are your favorite, sizes 16-20 of the Pheasant Tail Nymph and Hares Ear Nymph satisfy the curiosity of the trout. This is a great floating destination for paddlers who want to tour Missouri's natural sights and one of the best for avoiding crowds . You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. This stretch of the Missouri is a fine introduction to the Mighty Mo, which just might inspire you to tackle the weeklong trip downstream. When youre done floating the river, dont forget to explore one of Montanas most charming river towns.
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