At On DeMark Lodge, an intimate, family-run retreat on Montana’s Missouri River, anglers get to enjoy warm hospitality, comfortable accommodations & home-cooked meals with unrivaled access to one of the west’s premier fisheries; the Missouri River. On Demark’s team of guide staff, including Craig & Warren Demark, tailor each day’s fishing around whatever is desired or fishing best across the 40-miles of world class trout water; though it’s the river’s prolific hatches and surface oriented trout that have made the river famous. After a long day on the water, guests unwind on the deck overlooking the “Mighty Mo,” sharing stories over a drink and home cooked meal as the sun sets across the Montana valley.
The Missouri River below Holter Dam is one of the west’s most consistent and premier fisheries for good reason. The Mo’ offers 4,000-7,000 trout per mile and with over 40 miles of good water and 11 boat ramps to choose from; there is always an opportunity to find one of their hard fighting, often large rainbow and brown trout. The Mo’ is a major tailwater fishery which allows the flows to stay at good levels, the water cold and the hatches consistent.
Days start at the lodge where you’ll be picked up by your guide and taken to fish one of the 5 primary sections of river. While it’s the consistent and prolific hatches of bugs like Caddis, PMD’s, Trico’s, terrestrials and Baetis (to name a few) that keep the fish looking up and us coming back; there are opportunities abound to nymph deep for feisty ‘bows, pull streamers for big browns or fish however you prefer. Whether you want to challenge yourself on pods of picky sippers or hunt for the big one, there is something for anglers of all experience levels.
On Demark is a true family run operation which quickly makes guests feel right at home. The lodge features five comfortable rooms each with two queen beds and private bathrooms. Three of the rooms are within the main house and the two remaining rooms are private cabins on the property a short walk away.
Becky Demark handles the cooking and is always making sure everyone is well fed with one of her hearty signature dishes. Her daily breakfasts always include plenty of coffee and rotate through favorite egg dishes, burritos, pastries and more. The evening dinners are an event in and of themselves and consist of one of Becky’s signature recipes, such as Bolognese and Cilantro Lime Chicken, that she has honed in over the years of treating everyone like part of the family. Lunch is taken to be enjoyed on the river and the open bar remains stocked with a mixture of spirits, beers, and non-alcoholic favorites.
The small town of Craig, Montana is little more than a few fly shops but the quick 40-minute drive from Montana’s state Capitol, Helena, makes it easy to access without sacrificing its quiet and wild feel. The Helena Regional Airport is serviced through hubs such as Salt Lake City and Denver which allows for easy itineraries no matter where you are coming from. Whether you choose to drive or fly, travel can easily be arranged with the lodge to make things smooth and easy.
