Brown Trout

If you're looking for brown trout near East Helena, the nearby Missouri River offers some excellent opportunities. While the stretch through the Gates of the Mountains is famous for its scenery, the river both upstream and downstream from there holds good numbers of browns. Spring and fall are generally the best times to fish for them, as the water temperatures are more favorable and the fish are more active. Look for areas with riffles, runs, and pools, and focus on structure such as submerged logs and rocks. Access can be found at various fishing access sites along the river, but be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends. A useful tip: pay attention to insect hatches, as the trout can be selective feeders. Carry a variety of fly patterns to match the hatch. The browns here can range from small to quite large, so be prepared for anything.