Land of the Giants with Efferson Outfitters

Russell E
This is the most unique guided fishing trip that we offer....it is crazy stupid fishing! So the way this trip works is I put my jet boat (which is set up like a drift boat with oars and anchor systems) into upper Holter Lake which is outside of Helena, Montana then motor across the lake and up the Missouri River until I get to Hauser Dam, then we float down and fish for the largest trout concentrated higher than anywhere I have ever seen. The average fish is in the 20 inch range and fights like crazy. There is no other way to access this stretch with a boat other than motoring up in a jet boat which makes it not the easiest place to get to. The fish live in Holter Lake most of the time and then migrate upstream to spawn in the spring and in the fall. Like I said, the best way to describe this is "Stupid Crazy Fishing"
 
Highlights
  • Flies, rods, Lunch, non alcoholic beverages
What is Included:
Lunch
Drinks & Snacks
Flies
Tackle
Rod & Reel
Rates
Per
Capacity
Dates
Duration
Price
AnglerBoatBoat
1 - 2
 anglers
Daily1 day
$
625
Availability
Fishing Waters
 (2)
Given its association with transport, commerce and business development, it’s easy to forget that there remain parts of the Missouri set aside for fishing, boating and enjoying nature’s ... morebounty. From source to mouth, it is the longest river in North America, over 2, 341 miles. The river’s watershed consists of over a million square miles and includes parts of 10 American states and 2 Canadian provinces. When combined with the lower Mississippi, it is the 4th longest river in the world. Whew! That’s a lot to take in. But, if you’re a fly fisher in Montana, the only section of the Missouri you really need to know about is a tiny, 40 mile, stretch downstream of Holter Dam, near the towns of Wolf Creek, Craig and Cascade and not far from the city of Helena. This is the “Blue Ribbon” trout section of the Missouri.

Water released from Holter Dam keep this section the river at a fairly consistent level, helping to maintain cool temperatures year round. Some guides describe the river here as a gigantic spring creek surrounded by weed beds with long riffles, great banks and undercuts that provide ideal habitat for the river’s substantial trout population. By substantial, we’re talking 3,500 to 5,500 fish per mile on a yearly basis – and many of these exceed 16 inches! The first ten miles of the river from Holter Dam to Craig tend to have the largest number of hatches resulting in the highest concentration of fish.

In this “gigantic spring” part of the river, rainbow trout outnumber browns by a ratio of 6:1. In addition, stable populations of burbot and stonecats live below the dam. As a bonus, the reservoir is surrounded by the Beartooth Wildlife Management Area as well as three other designated nature preserves and wilderness set-asides. Look up and there’s a good chance you’ll spot a bald eagle, various types of falcon, red-tail hawks, osprey and golden eagles – you may even get a chance to see them snatch a fish from the water. Shore side it’s not unusual to sight bighorn sheep, elk, and mountain goats. This may be an area small in size but its large in its grandeur and many offerings.
Destination
 (1)
Nestled at the convergence point of five valleys, Missoula is a picturesque as it is interesting. Surrounded by towering mountains, three rivers come together here; the Clark Fork, ... moreBlackfoot and Bitterroot. Each river is overflowing with rainbow, brown, cutthroat and bull trout, and the variety of opportunities to fish here are nearly infinite. For those inclined to venture out, it’s even possible to drop an impromptu line from a bridge in the middle of town and expect success with a catch. Other year round outdoor sports include white water river rafting, hiking and competitive marathon running.

What’s most unique about Missoula is that it’s not only beautiful but it appeals to sportsmen and artists alike. In fact, Missoula is a premier choice for fly fishermen with diverse interests such as the visual arts, live theater, cinema, local brewpubs and an active nightlife. Much of this activity is attributed to the presence of the University of Montana, frequently ranked as the most beautiful campus in the US, as well as being recognized for its academic excellence. The city is now host to the Montana Book Festival, the International Wildlife Film Festival and the Montana Museum of Art and Culture.

Whether you are a fly-fisher with a yen for culture or you are a fisherman traveling with people who don’t fish, this is a wise choice for striking a balance between great angling and satisfying entertainment.
Outfitter
Fly Fishing southwest Montana at its best. Whether you have been fishing for years and just need someone to take you to the best stretches of numerous Blue Ribbon trout streams or ... morea first timer wanting to learn the basics, Efferson Outfitters will deliver a beautiful experience with lots of opportunities to catch and release wild trout. Our main goal is for you to have fun. At Efferson Outfitters we have patient guides and most of all we do not practice arrogance or attitude, we want you to have a good time period and will always work very hard to give you a trip you will remember forever. We offer walk wade trips, float trips, and probably the most exciting and remarkable Jet boat trips up the Missouri River where a fish of a lifetime is almost a sure thing.

Check out www.effersonoutfitters.com 
Type:
Fishing
Payment
Cancellation Policy
Standard
  • Cancellations made 14 days before will be fully refunded.
  • Cancellations made 7 days before will be refunded 50% of the amount paid.
  • Cancellations made at a later date will not be refunded.
Payment directly with Land of the Giants with Efferson Outfitters.
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