AB –With 5000 trout per mile, the Missouri River will humble you! My assessment of Missouri river trout fishing is that it’s fraught with subtleties. The angler must learn & practice many small details to be successful. Lessons learned: Fish dry flies downstream to these fish rather than casting over their shoulder. Choose one fish from a pod to cast to; rather, like quail hunting, shooting into the covey rarely produces results. Blind casting dry flies in this slow river seldom produces fish. Nymph fishing the fast water is more productive than the slower water. Fluorocarbon tippets are probably a good idea; you can go with a larger size (needed due to fish size & weeds) and still maintain stealth. Talk to successful anglers, you have a lot to learn here & the SME’s (subject matter experts) have the keys to success.

Blackfoot River drainage, with high temps & dropping flows, I don’t think we’ve seen the best this area has to offer. Big fish in the rivers, but were driven down in the pools due to temps. We need to come back here under cooler conditions. Blackfoot B&B & Blackfoot Fly shop folks are great, would recommend both establishments to friends. Loved the "off-the-beaten-path" feel of Orvando.

JR—Missouri, Hot again, not referring to the fishing. Perhaps the most technically challenging waters we’ve fished so far, will take years to figure it out. Blackfoot, tough with drought & high temps, on normal conditions you could do well I’m sure. Thought the B&B might be too she-she, but home-style, ranch feel was great. Accommodations, Fly Shop & town folk were super.

MS –Missouri, keep practicing….for years. Blackfoot, bad timing, difficult to catch fish in high temps, fish are setting in the bottom of the pools & you have to hit them in the head with your fly to get them to bite. Would like to come back in June or Sept. Preferred B&B to motels.

GK—Missouri, agree with MS comments, disappointed in the lack of "straight talk" at sports shows about the fishing on the Missouri. The Missouri has a huge draw to fisherman from across the country & around the world. Most first timers on the Missouri are going to go for a "boat ride". Several years are necessary to dial it in, even with guides.

Blackfoot, enjoyed this area more, forested surroundings, scenic. We caught it at the wrong time, but much more activity than the Missouri. The B&B experience was great, use more B&B’s on future trips, even if the cost is higher.

JR, big trout on lower Monture creek, even though it got away.

MS, casting while standing on the rock in the middle of the Blackfoot, ala "River Runs thru It"

GK, Monture creek was beautiful

AB, big Cutts & Rainbows taking drag on the Blackfoot.