Pike Fishing — Lower Missouri & Surrounding Lakes
Big teeth. Bigger fights. Montana’s northern waters offer some of the best guided pike fishing in the region — and Buglife Fly Fishing puts you right in the action.
We target Northern Pike across the Lower Missouri River, Holter Lake, and Tiber Reservoir, where these aggressive predators cruise shallow bays and weedy drop-offs. Whether you’re sight-casting to a monster or stripping streamers from a boat, pike fishing is a fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping experience.
Where We Fish for Pike
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Lower Missouri River
Long, slow-moving stretches with backwater sloughs and submerged structure make this a prime hunting ground for pike. -
Holter Lake
Just below the Missouri’s canyon stretch, Holter Lake offers incredible pike fishing from early spring through fall, especially near creek mouths and weed lines. -
Tiber Reservoir
Remote and underrated, Tiber holds some of the biggest pike in the state. It’s perfect for anglers looking to chase trophies in solitude.
Full Day Pike Fishing Trip
Enjoy a full-day, 8-hour guided pike fishing trip on the Lower Missouri, Holter Lake, or Tiber Reservoir.
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Ideal for anglers looking for something more aggressive and high-adrenaline
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Hunt Northern Pike with streamers and topwater flies in prime ambush zones
$800 — price for 1–2 anglers
Group rates available — contact us for details.
Why Fish for Pike With Us
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All gear included — custom 8–10wt rods, big streamers, and wire leaders
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Ideal for experienced anglers looking for a different kind of challenge
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Full-day and half-day pike trips available
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Boat or wade options depending on season and conditions
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Personalized instruction on casting, retrieves, and hooksets
When you book with us, you’re getting more than just a day on the water — you’re stepping into the heart of Montana’s top predator fishing for Northern Pike.
What to Expect on Your Pike Fishing Trip
Our Montana pike fishing trips are designed to put you on aggressive Northern Pike in the waters where they hunt best — from slow backwaters on the Lower Missouri River to the bays and weed edges of Holter Lake and Tiber Reservoir.
You’ll fish from a drift boat or power boat depending on conditions, casting large streamers with heavy-duty fly rods into prime ambush zones. Your guide will adjust tactics based on water temps, weather, and fish activity to help you land powerful, toothy predators.
Whether it’s your first time chasing pike on the fly or you’re after your next personal best, this is a fast-paced, high-adrenaline day on the water.
What You’ll Need for Your Trip
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Montana Fishing License (Required for anyone 12 and older) [Purchase Your MT License Here ➔] https://ols.fwp.mt.gov/
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Guide Gratuity (Cash preferred, tipping is appreciated)
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Appropriate Clothing (Layers recommended — Montana weather changes fast!)
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Sunglasses and Hat (Polarized sunglasses strongly recommended)
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Beverages and Snacks (We provide water, but feel free to bring extras)
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Good Attitude (Let’s make it a great day on the water!)
Best Time to Fish for Pike in Montana
May – June: Spring Aggression
As water warms, Northern Pike move shallow to spawn and hunt. This is prime time for explosive eats in bays, backwaters, and weedy shorelines. Fish are aggressive and territorial — perfect conditions for fly anglers throwing big streamers or topwater bugs.
Expect high catch rates and thrilling visual strikes as pike smash flies in just a few feet of water.
July – August: Mid-Summer Mayhem
Weed beds are fully grown and pike are sitting deep in ambush mode. Early mornings and cloudy days can produce savage takes as pike cruise structure lines looking for an easy meal.
This is the best season for sight fishing on clear lakes like Holter or Tiber, especially with intermediate lines and flashy flies.
September – October: Fall Feed-Up
As the water cools, big pike turn on the feed. Fall trips often produce the largest fish of the year as they bulk up for winter. Fish become more active throughout the day, and streamer presentations near drop-offs and rocky points shine.
This is the time to hunt trophies and throw big meat — slow and deep or erratic and loud.
Ready to chase Montana’s top aquatic predator?
Frequently Asked Questions
Guide gratuities are standard practice left to the discretion of the client. Guides typically average 20% ($150+/day) per guide for a full day trip. Our guides will work hard for you and appreciate your gratuity in return.
Our fishing trips are suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers, and our guides can provide assistance and tips to help you improve your fishing skills.
Yes, all Buglife guided trips practice catch and release fishing.
Montana – Craig is conveniently located less than 40 minutes from the Great Falls International Airport AND less than 40 minutes from the Helena Regional Airport.
There is also something to see and do in Big Sky Country! With 2 state parks less than 20 minutes away, you have access to hiking trails at Tower Rock State Park and First People’s Buffalo Jump State Park. A short 45-minute drive will take you to Helena, MT where you can find lots of local shops as well as Broadwater Hot Springs.