Land of the Giants

LOG Guide Trips run $750/day for 1-2 anglers.

Holter Lake (and The Land of the Giants) – Kind of two lakes in one – Upper Holter and Lower Holter -connected together by the area known as the “Gates of The Mountains.”  Named so by the Corps of Discovery (Lewis & Clark) when they traveled through this massive, meandering canyon and it appeared as though the canyon walls were opening and closing as they wound their way up river like gigantic gates.  There is a wonderful, interpretive boat tour through this section of the river that is a perfect side trip to do when you are visiting the Missouri for a few days.  Lower Holter can be good fly fishing but mainly in the Spring from shore or a float tube or kick boat, as the rainbows are cruising the shoreline (similar to Canyon Ferry -see below) and before the boat traffic gets going for the season.

Strainer and a LOG Rainbow

Unlike Canyon Ferry, the water level in Holter Lake does not fluctuate very much because of how they manage Hauser and Holter Dams.  They are “run of river” dams – so whatever they let out of Canyon Ferry, is what they let out of Hauser and Holter.  Upper Holter Lake is also the launch location for the area of the Missouri River now known as “The Land of the Giants”  (LOG).   Why?  Because the trout, both rainbows and browns, live most of the year in the larger, fertile reservoir, eating voraciously, getting fat and strong and then run up to the shallower, river section above Upper Holter up to Hauser Dam where you’ve got a shot at catching trout in the 20” to 30” range on flies!  We have a couple of our Outfitters who are also Coast Guard approved Captains that are licensed to run jet boat Guide trips to this unique fishery.

These trips are limited so if you are interested in a Guided Trip to LOG, please contact us as early as possible in the year so we can fit you in with one of the Captains.  It’s a fly fishing experience you will never forget!  (Bring your camera, ‘cause your buddies won’t believe you caught a super fat, 28” trout on the Missouri!)

Gratuity for Your Guide:   We get a lot of questions about tipping the Guides. All Guides typically receive gratuities for their hard work on the water, and depend on them as part of their income. Typical gratuity for a Guide runs between $100 and $200+ per day (about 20% to 25%+). However, the decision is yours, and you should tip what you feel is appropriate. Cash given directly to the Guide at the end of the day is always the best way to let your Guide know how much you appreciated their efforts and help.  (FYI- There are no 401k plans, company cars or medical benefits packages for independent Guides. We guide anglers because we are passionate about this activity/sport/hobby. Guides truly appreciate your generosity.)

STANDARD Guide Trip Policy: If cancellations or changes are made more than 30 days before your reservation, a full refund of your deposit, less a $15 per Guide Day reserved service charge, will be returned.  If cancellations or changes are made between 15 and 30 days of your reserved date(s) your deposit will be applied to a future trip later that year or the following season or used for retail purchases from our stores or online.  If cancellations or changes are made within 8 to 14 days of your reserved date(s) the entire deposit will be forfeited and will be used to pay in part to the scheduled Guide(s) in lieu of lost wages.  If cancellations or changes are made within 7 days of your reservation, full payment will be taken using the credit card on file for the deposit, as we have to pay our Guide(s) in full for those lost wages. .  If we are unable to provide your reserved Guide service due to unforeseen events, your entire deposit will be refunded and we will beg for your forgiveness.  We understand that unforeseen situations can lead to cancellations and we reserve the right to make refund decisions on a case-by-case basis.  We recommend Travel/Trip Insurance.