Although the “MO” is a two-hour drive from the lodge, guests never seem to mind the journey through Big Sky Country. Once they get on the water, the reason is obvious – The MO is an insanely productive trout river, with fish counts ranging from 4,000 to upwards of 8,000(!) trout per mile.

This tailwater river runs cold and clear year-round and is loaded with 18” to 22” brown and rainbow trout. The hatches on the Missouri are legendary, beginning with the tiny blue-winged olives, followed by pale morning duns and blizzard-like caddis hatches. For nearly two months, trico spinner falls cause trout to assemble like they are at a buffet line, with rising heads nearly thick enough to walk on. For the streamer enthusiast, the bugger fishing early and late in the day can be rewarding. A day on the MO is a must if you visit Montana.