Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Anglers love the Missouri River outside of Great Falls for its abundant trout.
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Fishing
With no shortage of world-class waters in the region, including the Missouri and the Sun
Rivers, there are endless opportunities to wet a line in and around Great Falls. Among the
fish that can be found in local waters are northern pike, walleye, perch, catfish, big- and
small-mouthed bass, plus of course the venerable trout. For trout fishing on the Missouri,
the 30-mile stretch of river running from
Holter Dam to Cascade
is the most productive
(and the most heavily fished!) for both rainbows and browns. Average size for rainbows is
14-18 inches, and browns are generally a bit bigger. Blue-winged olive hatches start in late
April and often last through June, and then hit again in the fall. The river's biggest hatch,
the pale morning dun, can happen anytime from June well into August and gives skilled
anglers a thrilling chance to catch very big fish on very small flies. Fish in these parts see a
lot of flies and thus are wary of clumsy anglers.
The Great Falls Big R, one of the West's best all-around ranch supply stores, selling
everything from baby chicks and barbed wire to snakeskin cowboy boots, also has a well-
respected fly-fishing shop staffed by passionate local anglers.
Big R Fly Shop
(4400 10th
