The River
A River Runs Through It — Literally
The Missouri River is one of the world’s premier fly fishing destinations — and Rivenrock enjoys a prime location, as it flows along the western edge of our back lawn.
The river begins at the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers near Three Forks, Montana — an iconic meeting point nestled in the wide valleys of southwest Montana. From its headwaters, the river flows north and east through a landscape of sweeping plains, rugged breaks, and dramatic limestone cliffs.
Below Holter Dam, near the town of Craig, is where the Missouri becomes a world-renowned trout fishery—one of the finest tailwaters in the country—and, not surprisingly, that’s where we’ve established Rivenrock.
As the river continues east, it slows and broadens, transitioning from the fast, trout-filled currents that surround the lodge into a more meandering, prairie river a few hours downstream. Then in central and eastern Montana, it flows past vast agricultural lands, cottonwood bottoms, and rich wildlife habitat in the legendary Missouri Breaks section. By the time it leaves the state and continues its journey toward the Mississippi, the Missouri has become a symbol of the American West—an artery of history, ecology, and enduring natural beauty.
The Fishing
Renowned for its clear waters, prolific hatches, and healthy populations of big, wild rainbow and brown trout, the “Mo” offers an ideal blend of technical and rewarding fishing. Anglers flock here for the chance to cast to rising trout in smooth, glassy runs or to target deep riffles and seams with nymphs and streamers.
What makes the Missouri unique is its consistency. It’s a tailwater, finding its source at two dams upriver, which regulates the flows and temperatures. This means it fishes well nearly year-round, with spring and fall providing especially productive dry fly opportunities during epic mayfly and caddis hatches. Summer brings strong terrestrial action, with hoppers, ants, and beetles often drawing explosive strikes from fish averaging close to 18” and a real chance of landing a fish in the two foot range.
The Missouri is a drift-boat angler’s dream, with miles of fishable water and countless productive spots. But there are plenty of access points for wade anglers, too. Whether you're stalking trout sipping tricos on a calm morning or watching intensely as your indicator glides through a deep seam, the Missouri rewards patience and precision. It's a place where seasoned anglers come to sharpen their skills and first-timers quickly fall in love with the rhythm of the river.
Our Guide Partners
Rivenrock is proud to partner with all of the top fly fishing outfitters and guides in the region, delivering a superb all around outdoor sporting experience. Let us know your tastes, priorities, and interests, and we can help connect you with a professional guide no matter your experience level.
Or, if you’ve already booked your own guide, wonderful — we’re more than happy to be your home base for your time in the area. Below is a list of some of our top choices, but we’re happy to host self-guided anglers as well. If you do book with one of these outfitters, do let them know you’re staying at Rivenrock.
Plan Your Trip
We look forward to hearing from you so we can help you plan the ideal trip to our corner of southwest Montana.