Enjoy commanding views of Montana's most prolific tailwater fishery while staying at the Missouri Cliffs Lodge. The Missouri River is Montana's largest tailwater fishery. A series of large reservoirs upstream results in stable flows and water temperatures moderated by a bottom release dam. As a result of this tailwater affect, the Missouri is often referred to as a large spring creek. Anglers will encounter some of the most productive hatches in the Northern Rockies, high fish counts, and the prospects for larger fish. The productive nature of the river allows trout to grow fast with an average size around 16" and larger fish common.
This fly-fishing lodge on the Missouri River is extremely well appointed with a spacious dining room wrapped in windows overlooking the river, a rustic bar and saloon, a large gathering room with vaulted ceilings and rock fireplace and large comfortable guest rooms. The culinary program crafted by veteran executive chef Guillermo Farias is sure to please. Missouri Cliffs is centrally located in the heart of the Missouri River Canyon at roughly the midpoint of the tailwater reach which spans from Wolf Creek to Cascade allowing for great access to the entire fishery.
Guests will be greeted by our seasoned lodge team and will enjoy outings on the river with experienced guides. The fishing program is coordinated by outfitter Stephen Caldwell (lic# 36394), a Missouri river veteran and native of nearby Helena, MT.
Rates
Fishing
Accommodations
Map
Rates
Missouri Cliffs Lodge Package Pricing - ALL INCLUSIVE
3 Night/2 Day - $2760 per person
4 Night/3 Day - $3800 per person
5 Night/4 Day - $4840 per person
6 Night/5 Day - $5880 per person
7 Night/6 Day - $6920 per person
*** for single guide to client ratio add $360 per day
*** if single occupancy requested add $200 per person per night
Packages include: Lodging, all meals and beverages, guided fishing, equipment use, wader rentals, private access to the Madison River.
Not included: Gratuities for fishing guides and lodge staff. Airport transfers (we can arrange for an additional cost of $400 for up to 4 guests in a round trip shuttle plus an additional $50 for a 5th guest, max of 5 guests per shuttle vehicle). Fishing licenses are not included but can be purchased online in advance or at a nearby fly shop after arrival.
Fishing
The Missouri River originates near the town of Three Forks, MT where the Madison, Jefferson and Gallatin join together. The reach of the river that draws anglers far and wide is the stretch between Wolf Creek and Cascade after it exits a series of large reservoirs. The reservoirs upstream help to moderate the rivers flows below Holter Dam. The stable flows and water temperatures below the bottom release dam produce an outstanding tailwater fishery. The cold and stable flows generate a productive environment of aquatic insects and crustaceans. This ample food supply helps trout grow fast and the average size of the fish in the tailwater reach of the river is between 16" and 17" with larger fish common. High trout counts and larger than average fish help to make the Missouri one of Montana's most productive fisheries.
Many anglers describe the Missouri River tailwater section as a large spring creek with glassy currents, weedbeds, and an abundance of trout food. The productive nature results in several thick hatches throughout the season including midges, baetis, caddis, pale morning duns and tricos. During heavy hatches trout are often rising across the river and sight casting to surface feeding trout is possible.
Holter Dam to Craig
Most of the upper river below Holter Dam truly resembles a large spring creek. Glassy currents and abundant weedbeds are home to some of the highest trout counts in Montana. Trout grow fast and large in this reach.
Craig to Pelican
Shortly after flowing through the small fly fishing town of Craig, MT, the Missouri flows into a dramatic canyon lined with tall cliffs and unique rock formations. The complex currents in the canyon provide plenty of areas to target concentrations of trout.
Pelican to Cascade
The river exits the canyon just upstream of the Pelican access site. From Pelican to the small town of Cascade the river begins to enter a broad valley with mountains in the distance. Although trout numbers begin to decline in these lower reaches it is also home to some large trout and some excellent mid summer hopper fishing.
Accommodations
The lodge sits at the top of a dramatic band of cliffs overlooking the river in the heart of the canyon. Guests will enjoy incredible river and canyon views from the huge wrap around deck! The lodge is centrally located near the middle of the Missouri River canyon and anglers can easily access the entire reach of the tailwater section of the river. The main lodge has 5 guest rooms with an additional guest room in the detached guest house providing a maximum occupancy of 12 anglers to preserve a warm and intimate atmosphere. The rooms each have 2 beds and a private bath.
The main level of the lodge houses the kitchen, a large dining room with a wall of windows overlooking the river, a seating area in the great room and a barnwood saloon complete with a full bar. 2 bedrooms are located on the top floor and 3 on the lower level of the main lodge, with an additional guest room in the adjacent guest house.