6+ HOURS ON THE WATER
The Missouri River is the longest river in North America. It flows 2,341 miles before joining the Mississippi River, but for all intents and purposes we’re concerned with the 50 mile stretch below Holter Dam. At times, this stretch is called Montana’s largest spring creek, but rather, the tail water flows mimic the prime conditions of a spring creek. Water flows at a fairly consistent temperature, compared to our local free-stone rivers and boasts good clarity year-round. Due to these conditions the fish grow at a staggering rate, and at times it seems there aren’t any small fish to be found! Due to the abundant aquatic insects the number of trout below the dam is an estimated 16,000 fish per mile! That makes for some excellent Missouri River fly fishing opportunities.
While this is a big, wide river, and possibly not as intimate as our rivers in Missoula, it is a great addition to what we are able to offer while fishing with Clear Creek Outfitters for a couple of reasons.
The Missouri has all three types of trout: rainbow, cutthroat and brown. The upper-end of the river consists of a predominately rainbow trout population and the lower-end, near Cascade switches to a population comprised of predominately brown trout. The average size fish on the Missouri, is 18-inhes, while moving further downstream quantities are lower, but chance of catching larger fish (20-inch and larger), increases.
Depending on time of year we typically use all techniques on this river: nymph fishing, dry fly fishing, and streamer. * The Missouri trip requires a nominal surcharge of $50 due to extra driving. This can be a long day, with a couple of travel hours added on both ends but provides the opportunity to see some of Montana’s beautiful country. The tributaries of the Missouri River include: Jefferson, Dearborn, Sun, Marias, Milk, James, Big Sioux, Grand, Chariton, Madison, Gallatin, Yellowstone, Little Missouri, Cheyenne, White, Niobrara, Platte, Kansas, Osage, Gasonade
Missouri River Flows:
Maximum: 750,000 CFS (cubic feet per second)
Minimum: 602 CFS
River Source:Primary source is Hell Roaring Creek a tributary of the Jefferson, Secondary source is Firehole River a tributary of the Madison River
River Mouth: Mississippi River Spanish Lake near St. Louis, Missouri
Join us and create some remarkable memories Missouri River Fly Fishing!
Local Full-Day: $650/boat
5-6 HOURS ON THE WATER
2 CLIENTS MAX PER BOAT
Local Half-Day $550/boat
3-4 HOURS ON THE WATER
2 CLIENTS MAX PER BOAT
Local Full-Day Missouri River: $800/boat
6+ HOURS ON THE WATER
2 CLIENTS MAX PER BOAT
ANY GIVEN DAY WE COULD HAVE A HOUR AND A HALF DRIVE (1.5 HOURS) TO A
TWO AND A HALF HOUR (2.5 HOURS) DRIVE TO THE MISSOURI RIVER.
• 30-day cancellation policy applies to all trips.
• Deposit Return is subject to a 5% fee.
• Price does not include the recommended guide gratuity of 20%.
Brian Gast2024-04-11 I have been fishing with Doug at Clear Creek Outfitters for about 15 years now and I would never go anywhere else. Doug’s knowledge of the rivers and where the fish are is second to none. He always finds a way to put you onto some nice fish! In addition to some great fishing you will always have a great time with Doug, and the lunches👍. So if you are looking for a great day on the river and want to catch some fish this is the only place to go! Gavin Holles2024-04-07 Doug was instrumental in delivering a truly epic trip down both the Blackfoot and Bitterroot rivers. These are remarkable landscapes on their own - made even better by his ability to put you on fish and help even a novice fly fisherman find success! He delivers the whole experience for his clients which makes for a great day on the river. Highly Recommend. railroader232024-03-21 Highly recommend Clear Creek Outfitters for drifting the rivers in the Missoula area! Doug Jones is an awesome guide and knows all the sweet spots on the rivers. He's very patient especially if you are a beginner fly fisherman like me lol. Doug showed me new techniques to hone my skills and what I need to look for as a beginning fly fisherman. Hooked up on some big fish but being a beginner it was rod handler error on getting them in the boat. I will definitely be choosing Clear Creek Outfitters again for my next fishing trip down the Bitterroot, Clark Fork, Blackfoot or Missouri River and this time I'll be ready to land that personal best with Doug!!! Joe Reidy2023-07-08 I've fished quite a bit and I can say that this was one of my favorite days on the water. Doug got me on the trout within the first two casts. Throughout the day we told fishing stories and got along like old friends fishing. At certain points he'd give me tips on improving my cast, where to drop the fly, alter presentation, or when to set. Other times, he'd let me fish with no critique. He hit the perfect balance. I can't recommend Doug highly enough, 5 stars doesn't do him justice. Ashley May2022-10-18 Whether you’re a seasoned fly junkie or a total newbie Doug will go out of his way to accommodate you and adapt to your needs. He has more experience than a lot of the guides I looked into and it really came through. Local info and stories were a nice bonus to a day spent on the Blackfoot as well as a tasty lunch. Don’t look any further if you’ve found Clear Creek! ashreading2022-07-25 My Dad and I went out with Doug when waters were high and fishing was tough. Doug got us on fish and gave us a great day. Will definitely recommend to anyone I know looking for a guide in the future. Debra Raines2022-07-24 Fantastic time fly fishing. This was my first time fishing. Our guide, Doug, was an excellent instructor and made our trip so much fun.. I actually caught a sizable fish..I can’t wait for our next trip .. Duane Cook2022-07-08 What a great way to learn fly fishing! Doug was tremendous. About 6 hours of rapid fire instruction and encouragement. It was so fun! I think I had 9 strikes (my wife about the same) and I even pulling in my dinner: literally. I learned SO MUCH! Doug has a infectious love of fly fishing. We have been out twice since our float down the Bitterroot! Everything we needed to know to get started…casting, mending, watching, how to react when they hit! Doug knows all the great spots and exactly where to put the fly! If you want to learn from a true professional, he is you guy! Jeff Somrock2022-07-08 Doug is a true professional. Having never been fly fishing before he taught us to cast and had us pulling fish into the raft almost immediately. Sorry for all the flies we left in the trees we promise to lose less next year!Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 20 reviews
Cell: 406-370-7039
Alternate Cell: 406-531-3776
E-mail: info@clearcreekoutfitters.com
Doug Jones
Montana Outfitter #8453
5400 Arnica Road
Missoula, MT 59803
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We operate under special use permit with the Forest Service and are an equal opportunity provider