Announcing the 2026 Mt. Tam Flyfishers’ Missouri River Trip June 21-27. This is a popular club trip for up to 12 anglers. In keeping with precedent, prior participants have priority to sign-up until 2/28. All members sign-up window opens 3/1. If fewer than 12 members are signed-up, guests may participate. See the information below.
Sign up on the Mount Tam Flyfishers website. A 50% deposit ($1000) is required to secure your position. Once 12 deposits are received sign-up closes and standby opens. Remainder of payment $1000 is due 6/1. If you are sending a check, please email the treasurer treasurer@mttamflyfishers.org the day the check is mailed.
SIGN-UP WINDOW
- Prior Participants: Priority until 2/28
- All Mt. Tam Flyfishers: 3/1 – 6/21
- Guests: 4/1 – 6/21
PAYMENT INFO
Check: Mount Tamalpais Fly Fishers
P. O. Box 211
Corte Madera, CA 94976
VENMO: Treasurer@mt-tam-flyfishers
MISSOURI RIVER MONTANA FISHING
The Missouri River is one of the longest rivers in the world, but trout fishermen are mostly concerned with the 35 mile section below Holter Dam near the towns of Wolf Creek, Craig and Cascade. This “tailwater” section offers some of the finest fly fishing in the Western US.
While all methods produce on the Missouri River, it is most famous for it’s incredible dry fly fishing, which stretches from April through November. Caddis and Mayfly hatches can reach intensities that bring every fish in the river to the surface. When hatches thin or weather does not permit dry fly fishing, indicator nymph fishing is world class, and size and numbers are impressive.
MONTANA’S WOLF CREEK LODGE
Montana’s Wolf Creek Lodge is a beautiful, secluded property located just outside of Wolf Creek. A perfect retreat for Mt. Tam with 4 hotel style rooms with 2 beds and a bath in each and a larger house with 2 bedrooms. The house is also equipped with two bathrooms, a large kitchen, dining room that can accommodate up to 30 people, living room, game room with a pool table and a wrap around deck. Free WiFi, parking, air conditioning.
FISHING PLAN
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are with guides from the Headhunter’s Fly Shop in Craig. The day starts at 7 am and ends at 4 pm. Guides want to be on the river early to be first to the fish. Expect to fish with a different guide and fishing partner each day. Tuesday and Thursday are do-it-yourself days.
Options for DIY days include walk and wade the Missouri, drive to other rivers to walk and wade, or hire a guide. And there are always a few hours after dinner to walk and wade the Missouri. For the past few years walk and wade has been some of the best dry fly fishing and it is daylight until 10 pm. There are several other river options. Here are a few.
Land of Giants is approximately 35 minutes upstream below Hauser dam. It offers both great tailwater fishing and an impressive still water section. It requires advance planning to secure a guide for the DIY days. The 70 miles southwest of Wolf Creek (and 60 miles east of Missoula) is a section of the Clark Fork that has good walk and wade brown trout fishing. It is 1 hour 30 minutes away. Near Missoula is the Blackfoot a 2+ hour drive away. Headhunters and outfitters in Missoula can provide a guide with advance planning.
GETTING THERE
Fly from San Francisco to Bozeman, rent a car and drive to Wolf Creek. Alaska and United have non-stop flights leaving around 12 pm and arriving at 4 pm. Cost Alaska $442 – United $367 plus bags at $40. Rental cars at the time this is written: Hertz SUV $1108 + gas; medium sedan $884. Coordinate flights with other Mt Tam members and share a car.
Drive. Take 4 days to drive from San Francisco and fish mornings and drive evenings. It adds 3 more days of fishing going and 3 more returning. This offers fishing on the Henry’s Fork, the Madison, the Beaverhead, and the BigHole.
FISHING LICENSE
Montana - $100 + $10 + $7.50 annual license.Click here.
Nevada - $18 + $7 for 2 day license. Click here.
Idaho - $22.75 + $ 7 for 1 day license. Download the Idaho outdoor app or click here.
Questions? Contact Steve Foster stefos45@gmail.com.