Warren DeMark Warren DeMark

June 22nd Missouri River Update

The nymphing has been great as of late, whether you are deep or shallow. Deep nymphing is producing more fish, while the average shallow fish is slightly bigger. PMD nymphs are the name of the game right now, think frenchies and split backs. We had a full lodge last week and had some great days throwing PMD patterns. We also had some fun throwing dries on the same trip. The dry fly fishing right now is what you think of when you think of the Mo’. Everything is on the menu, and those dedicated to throwing the dry will be rewarded when they get the right drift.

Read More
Craig DeMark Craig DeMark

Fishing Report 6/01/25

By: Craig DeMark

Our Spring is coming to an end as Summer warmth is starting to embrace us. We’ve had outstanding spring fishing. The nymphing has been very good and consistent. Several patterns have been working just as well as any. The key is weight and depth. Adjust until you catch, then repeat.

Read More
Warren DeMark Warren DeMark

Dry Fly Case Study

By: Warren DeMark

In my experiences of fly fishing and guiding, I’ve learned that the more I learn, the less I know. This is why fly fishing can be so addictive.

Read More
Warren DeMark Warren DeMark

April Fishing Update

By: Warren DeMark

We’re starting to see large numbers of baetis throughout the day, which is leading to really exceptional nymph fishing.

Read More
On DeMark Lodge On DeMark Lodge

Listen in as the DeMark Family visit about On DeMark Lodge.

If you’re dreaming about a fall trip to Montana to chase trophy trout under the big sky, this episode is for you. We’re heading to the Missouri River with the DeMark family—Craig, Becky, and Warren—from On DeMark Lodge. They share what makes their small, family-run lodge near Craig, MT, one of the most dialed-in operations on the Missouri River. You’ll hear exactly what to expect in October—from long dry fly drifts over rising pods to aggressive streamer eats in shallow water. Be on the lookout for more information regarding a chance to win a trip to fish with us in October 2025!

Read More
On DeMark Lodge On DeMark Lodge

Lazy Sunday Conversations

By: Craig and Warren DeMark

It’s a Sunday in March so things at the lodge are a bit slow. We’ve had howling winds all week so no fishing has been accomplished as of late. Looks like there is rain/snow on the horizon and temperatures will start to drop again later this week. To pass the time we’ve decided to do a little Q and A session based on some questions we’ve been asked at travel shows this spring. I’ll start us off with the most common question that we get from everyone.

Read More
Craig DeMark Craig DeMark

Join Us for our Fly Fishing School

By: Craig DeMark

We are introducing our inaugural fly fishing school at On DeMark Lodge June 1st through June 6th, 2025. We are extremely excited to teach the skill and passion we have for this incredible sport and river. 

Read More
Warren DeMark Warren DeMark

Early March Fishing Report

By: Warren DeMark

While air temps are trending upwards, water temps are slow to catch up. Water temps are between 34-35 degrees as of today, which means the fish are still fairly lethargic. This doesn’t mean that they won’t eat a well presented fly though.

Read More
On DeMark Lodge On DeMark Lodge

Spring Time on the Missouri

By: Warren DeMark

April is a month that is headlined by absurd nymph fishing. As the warmer water temps roll in, every single fish in the river needs to eat. They've spent the last 4 months at the bottom of deep slow pools, eating the occasional midge or sow bug.

Read More
Warren DeMark Warren DeMark

A Dry Fly Story

By: Warren DeMark

Everyday I spend on the Mo’ I’m reminded of how lucky we are to have access to a resource like this river. The ample bug life, absurd amount of fish, and the opportunities to target dozens of them in pods on the surface. A good dry fly day on this river is something I believe every angler should experience. It’s beyond what I'm able to put in words. Bring your favorite five weight and a positive attitude, I’ll help you with the reach cast.

Read More
Craig DeMark Craig DeMark

The Last 2 (or 3) Weeks at On DeMark Lodge

By: Craig DeMark

Fall is my favorite time of year for various reasons. Upland bird hunting starts. My Brittany, Blue, is very upset that we’ve been busy at the lodge and haven’t hit hunting grounds yet. Every morning he runs out the door and to the Yukon in anticipation that today is the day we go. So far, he’s been disappointed. Evenings are spent with him staring at me with true disdain.

Read More
Craig DeMark Craig DeMark

Lately at On DeMark Lodge

By: Craig DeMark

We’ve started this busy month with some great guests. New friends have been made. Later, old friends are returning. Becky keeps wowing everyone with meals and desserts. The fishing will bring you here, her meals will keep you coming back. 

Read More
Craig DeMark Craig DeMark

Fishing Report 7/23/24

By: Craig DeMark

The morning dry fly fishing is great right now. Trico spinner fall, leftover PMD cripples and spinners and caddis have the fish looking up. By early afternoon the sun gets high and hot, the hatch wanes, and the trout retreat to deeper runs amongst the drifting weeds. Fish early and hard then go somewhere cool, like the trout, in the middle of the afternoon. Decide your game plan for the next day over drinks in the evening, then repeat starting at 6 AM the next morning.

Read More
Warren DeMark Warren DeMark

PMDs and Caddis and Rain, Oh My! July 2nd Fishing Report

By: Warren DeMark

We have had a busy month here at the lodge, and the last two weeks have been a whirlwind of good fishing, great people, and delicious food. With every new group that has come in, we’ve had a whole new weather system, from 90 degree days with 30 mph winds, to highs in the  60’s and an inch of rain in one storm. Conditions have varied greatly, which is normal for June, and our fishing approach changes daily.

Read More
Warren DeMark Warren DeMark

On DeMark Lodge Memorial Day Fishing Report

By: Warren DeMark

Happy Memorial Day weekend from ODL! Hope everyone enjoyed their extended weekend and got some time to reflect on what is important. We are coming off a busy week with a full lodge and lots of interesting weather, which is common for May. We had tons of rain this last week (close to an inch over a 2 day stretch), plenty of cold days (40 degrees), and our fair share of wind (30 mph). The rain brought lots of mud from the tributaries: Prickly Pear has lots of water and color, Stickney Creek had tons of mud and debris for a couple days but had cleared up now, and the Dearborn has some color, which is normal for this time of year. With changing conditions brings challenging fishing, but we had some great days through the turbulent weather. Sun and rising temperatures are on the horizon, as we look forward to more summer-like conditions. End of May usually means the end of our Baetis action.

Read More
On DeMark Lodge On DeMark Lodge

August Fishing on the Missouri River

By: Warren DeMark

August. It’s like a dirty word among fly fisherman. A word draped in stereotypes of poor fishing. Sure, August in a lot of areas can be the dog days of the season with warm water temps and hoot owl closures. Montana has its fair share of warm water in August that leads to poor trout fishing. But the Missouri is different. We have three reservoirs full of water that feed into our river, and it stays pretty damn cold all year long. And in August, we have plenty of water, and plenty of fish that are eager to eat some bugs, making us the place to be in August.

Read More
On DeMark Lodge On DeMark Lodge

On DeMark Lodge Fishing Report 05/07/2024

By: Craig DeMark

Crazy, unsettled weather has been the pattern and it looks to continue this week. I’ve seen snow, hail, rain, and graupel (If you don’t know, google it. I had to), 40 mph winds and lightning (way too close for comfort). And that was Wednesday! Through all this the fishing has remained consistently outstanding. 

Read More
Craig DeMark Craig DeMark

On DeMark Lodge Fishing Report 4/21/2024

By: Craig DeMark

The baetis (aka BWO) hatch has arrived with a vengeance! We had some outstanding surface fishing throughout the day with clouds, snow and rain. It turns to more of a late afternoon thing on sunny days. Huge numbers of midges remain and are another reason the fish are looking up. The fish seem to prefer the baetis.

Read More