Early Season Montana Fly Fishing the Missouri River

Caddis and pale morning duns erupt towards the end of May or in early June, bringing pods of the rising rainbow and brown trout to the surface throughout this 35-mile section of blue ribbon trout water.

Undoubtedly, reliable fishing is to be had for anglers fishing the “Mo” during this time with our Montana fishing guides. An early-season Montana fly fishing trip to this Missouri River section is among our top recommendations for experienced anglers planning a trip to the region.

About the Fishing

Springtime weather warms the river, bringing thick hatches of BWO and March Brown mayflies before the high water hits the river system. Dry fly fishing on mild, cloudy days in April and early May can be incredible. The nymph fishing is the best of the year as post-spawn rainbow trout feed voraciously when the hatch cycles begin. This is the season for “big numbers” of hard-fighting rainbow trout between Holter Dam and Cascade, Montana.

High water hits the river system between May 8-15, bringing volatile water conditions, but the fishing action remains steady. Nymph fishing is the name of the game as water levels rise, jarring loose scores of freshwater crustaceans, worms (both aquatic and earthworms), and aquatic insects.

By late May, Holter Dam releases stabilize and start to decrease through mid-June. As water conditions improve daily, pmd and caddis hatches take center stage for anglers fishing around Craig, Mt. During high-water years, nymphing with crayfish patterns and stripping streamers off the banks produces some of the best brown trout of the year in June.

As streamflow levels stabilize around 5000 CFS, sometime in June, our guides swap out the indicators and sinking lines for dry flies and presentation fly lines. Short nymphing sessions in the mornings keep anglers busy while waiting for the hatches to begin as the day warms. Early summer pmd hatches are among the dry fly fishing highlights of the year in Montana, for experienced anglers.

What to Expect

Springtime weather in Montana can be – without a doubt – a challenge for the uninitiated angler. Expect the unexpected; the fish will be eating, regardless of the weather, on the Missouri River – this time of the year. Rain, sleet, snow, and high winds are real possibilities through May, but many nice days will be mixed in there too.

Floating is the mainstay for our guides during our spring sessions on "the Mo" once streamflow exceeds 5000 CFS below Holter Dam. Expect lots of “cycling” through productive runs and holes as guides work hard to cover the best water in each section of the river.

When the hatches get heavy, productive dry fly fishing relies on strategic boat placement to ensure anglers the optimal setup when presenting flies to rising trout.

We let the water warm and the crowds disperse before finalizing our floats for the day, often starting between 9 and 10 AM.

Craig Lodging Options

Craig, Montana lodging options are limited to a few hotel rooms, high-end lodges, rental cabins, and Air BNB homes. Planning early (6 months out) will give the angler the most options and affordable pricing. Helena, MT. is about 45 minutes from Craig and has plenty of hotel options but expect a longer drive to start and finish your day. Fins and Feathers has a handful of Missouri River fly fishing vacation packages, including Craig lodging options and guided fishing with our Montana fishing guides to simplify vacation planning to the Missouri River.

What to Bring

Waders and wading boots aren’t necessary for early-season fly fishing on the Missouri River. Montana fishing guides skillfully position the boats to work the most productive runs while anchoring or back-rowing. Dress in layers appropriate to the conditions with quality footwear and rain gear for wet or snowy days. Anglers and guides prefer rain jackets, rain pants, and “muck” style boots this time of the year, rather than waders and wading boots.

Nymph fishing is emphasized during the early season, giving way to dry fly fishing in late May and June as river levels drop following the height of the runoff season. Our guides will have rods, reels, waders, and boots if you prefer to leave yours at home. Waders and wading boots that fit properly are key to comfort when the weather turns bad; we recommend bringing your own if you have them.

A standard, fast-action 9’ 5 or 6-weight will cover the all-around nymphing needs, but specialized setups increase success while minimizing frustrations. A 9 ½ foot 5 weight is perfect for nymph fishing from a drift boat; its longer length aids with landing trout on long leaders and makes quick work of complicated line mending. The St. Croix EVOS or G. Loomis NRX+ in a 9 ½ foot length are both terrific choices for this style of indicator-nymph fishing from a drift boat.

A dedicated 6-weight setup for nymph for streamer fishing is a good option for anglers with multiple setups. Pair this with a RIO Predator fly line in the Float/Intermediate/Slow Sink density to cover a wider range of current speeds and depths. The Sage Igniter 691 or Scott Centric 906 (with fighting butt) are our two of our top picks for this style of fly fishing.

A moderate-fast action, 9-foot 5 weight fly rod is ideal for the presentation-style dry fly fishing scenarios associated with fishing over slow-rising trout during the early season mayfly hatches. Pair the rod with a weight-forward, floating fly line with a long, front head like the RIO Selective Trout taper for accurate, delicate presentations. We highly recommend the Sage R8 Core or Hardy Marksman in a 9-foot 5 weight configuration for a dedicated, Missouri River dry fly fishing rod.

The Montana weather will change dramatically between mid-April and late June, so check the weather in Cascade, Montana as you pack for your trip. Check out our packing list and gear recommendations as you prepare for your trip. Contact us for help with finding the right gear solutions for your trip.

Missouri River Fly Fishing Trip Itineraries

Fins and Feathers has over two decades of experience outfitting fly fishing trips on the Missouri River, near Craig, Montana. The springtime is the best time of year for anglers of all skill levels to experience this world-renowned, wild trout fishery.

If you prefer wade fishing, consider joining our guides in March and early April for an early-season trip to the upper Madison River. Our Jefferson and Big Hole River pre-runoff trips are excellent choices for skilled anglers who prefer dry fly and streamer fly fishing with few other anglers.

Experienced anglers have the unique opportunity to experience productive fly fishing using a variety of techniques during this timeframe. Novice and beginner anglers can expect to hook plenty of trout while improving their skills when the weather cooperates.

Inquire with our Montana fly fishing experts about booking an early season Missouri River guide trip via e-mail or by calling us at 1-406-468-5019. Craig, Montana lodging packages that bundle accommodations and fly fishing with our guides are also available.