May 3, 2023 Missouri River Fishing Report
Date: 05/03/2023
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Dearborn and Pricky Pear Creek both saw big flow increases over the past weekend, making the river very dirty by Mid Canon. Both tributaries are continuing to increase in flows at a quick pace, so don't expect clarity to improve until they peak and the flows out of Holter start to increase more substantially.
The fishing right now is between the Dam and the Dearborn. The Dam to Wolf Creek section is still loaded with spawning fish on reds that are hard to miss so watch your step and avoid pounding the clean gravel! Nymphing with various sowbug and little midge larvae patterns in the slower water has been solid here. Down from Wolf Creek, we are starting to get some fish on San Juan Worms, but sowbugs continue to be the most productive patterns. The forecast id fro rain this weekend and some clouds are around today, so we should see some BWO action this afternoon if the wind cooperates!
We offer guided fly-fishing trips on this section of the Missouri River from April 24 - June 6 in 2023. E-mail us for availability or book online as well (just click on any of our Book Now buttons on this website)
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Tailwater Sowbug Jig
Black Zebra Midge
Red San Juan Worm
Butano Lite Brite Perdigon
Missouri River Fly Fishing in Craig Montana
This 35-mile stretch of the Missouri River offers some of the finest fly fishing in Montana. The cold water released from Holter Dam creates a productive tailwater fishery. The river supports a robust population of Rainbow and Brown Trout, thanks to its rich invertebrate biomass.
Our "Missouri River Fishing Guide" is a comprehensive guide to the river stretches and seasonal hatches along with pro tips from our seasoned team of Bozeman fly fishing guides.
