Missouri River, MT Fly Fishing

Missouri River Fly Fishing: Craig, Montana

Flowing cold and clear from the base of Holter Dam, the Missouri River near Craig, Montana, is a world-class tailwater fishery and a bucket-list destination for every serious angler. Carving through the scenic canyons of Central Montana, the "Mo" offers a premier fly fishing experience with some of the highest trout-per-mile counts in the country—averaging over 5,000+ rainbow and brown trout per river mile.

If you book a Missouri River trip, please consider 2 or more days as it is a good drive from where we are located. We recommend you stay in Craig, MT or Cascade, MT there are also a lot of rental option on the river between Craig and Cascade.

Best Seasons for Missouri River Fly Fishing

The Prime Spring & Early Summer Season

We focus our expert guiding services on the peak window of April, May, and June. This is when the Missouri River truly shines, offering diverse opportunities for every style of angling:

  • April: Experience the first great dry fly fishing of the year with prolific Blue Winged Olive (BWO) and midge hatches.

  • May: As water temperatures rise, voracious trout feed heavily on caddis and March Browns, making for some of the best nymphing and early dry fly action of the year.

  • June: Witness the legendary Pale Morning Dun (PMD) and caddis emergences that bring pods of rising trout to the surface for technical, sight-fishing excitement.

Species of Fish in the Missouri River

The Missouri River's pristine waters are home to healthy populations of, brown, and rainbow trout.

In the Missouri River , you’ll find rainbow and brown trout averaging about 18”, Rainbows and Browns above 20” are common with the occasional fish 24” and higher.

Where We Fish on Montana’s Missouri River

Craig, Montana

The Missouri River from Holter Dam to Cascade is a premier Montana tailwater, offering nearly 40 miles of high-density trout fishing known as a "giant spring creek". From April through June, this section near Craig provides exceptional dry fly fishing for BWOs and PMDs, along with consistent nymphing and streamer fishing for trophy trout.