The Missouri River

At our lodge, life moves with the flow of the Missouri River. Days begin with mornings of mist rising off the water and end beneath wide Montana skies painted in golden sunsets. Everything in between revolves around world-class fishing on this truly exceptional river.

Our section of the Missouri River runs out of the Holter Dam, which is the final of three dams used for hydroelectric power for our beautiful state. Three dams of cold, filtered water allows this section of tailwater to stay at a consistent flow and temperature year-round, which is optimal for our fishery. This allows hatches to stay consistent, fish to stay fed, and fishermen to have a spectacular experience on the water.

Some consider fly fishing the Missouri River to be some of the best fishing in North America. With 40 miles of clean cold water, this fishery stays at a healthy 3,500 to 6,000 fish per mile depending on what stretch is being fished. With an average fish being a 17” rainbow trout, you don’t only get quantity with this blue-ribbon stream, you also get quality. 

At On DeMark Lodge, we pride ourselves in tailoring the fishing experience to our guests. Fly fishing the Missouri River is far from one-dimensional and we understand that craving for different experiences. Whether you want to feel a consistent tight line all day and nymph, carefully craft the right drift to a pod of rising rainbows, or feel the energy of an adrenaline pumped brown swiping a streamer, we have it all.

Our guests come for the river but return for something deeper: the lasting memories made on the water, the laughter shared over a fine meal, and the sense of connection that only a place like our intimate lodge can offer.

The River,

Section by Section

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    Holter Dam to Wolf Creek Bridge

    This upper stretch is classic tailwater fishing at its finest. High numbers of large rainbow trout thrive here, with a few impressive browns in the mix. The trout feed on sow bugs, scuds, mayflies, and crayfish, creating a fishery that is both abundant and challenging. Indicator fishing is most common, but when the conditions are right, dry-fly fishing can be spectacular. Streamers and hoppers have their moments too. There’s an energy on this water that’s hard to describe; cheers, laughter, and the occasional groan when a big rainbow breaks free.

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    Wolf Creek Bridge to Dearborn River

    This stretch of river offers a perfect mix of structure and calm water. Gravel shelves, riffles, deep pools, and small islands make it a favorite for many anglers. It’s also the most consistent dry-fly section on the Missouri. No matter the season, you can usually find rising fish here. Mayflies and caddis dominate the menu, while sow bugs and scuds continue to produce under an indicator. It’s water that rewards patience and precision.

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    Dearborn to Pelican Point

    The Canyon Section is where the river feels wild and untamed. When the Dearborn joins the flow, the current quickens and the landscape shifts to steep rock walls and dramatic light. Caddis and mayflies thrive here, with occasional stoneflies appearing in early summer. Large brown trout patrol the rocks in search of crayfish, and on cloudy days, this is prime streamer water. Watch the cliffs and you might spot Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep watching the river below.

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    Pelican Point to Cascade

    Out on the plains, the river slows and the scenery opens up. Cottonwoods line the banks, hayfields stretch into the distance, and solitude takes center stage. Fish numbers taper off slightly, but the browns here are among the biggest in the river. In the fall, Blue-Winged Olive hatches can be remarkable, drawing serious dry-fly anglers who appreciate quiet water and big rewards. Most days, it feels like you have this stretch entirely to yourself.

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    Cascade to Ulm

    We like to call it “Gator Alley,” this section is all about Northern Pike. The numbers are good, and many of these fish are truly large. If you’ve ever wanted to land a trophy pike on a fly rod, this is the place to do it. We love guiding these trips, combining the excitement of powerful fish with the relaxed pace and beauty of the lower river.