May 5, 2023 Missouri River Fishing Report
Date: 05/05/2023
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Dearborn and Pricky Pear Creek both saw big flow increases over the past week making the river very dirty by Mid Canon. Both tributaries are continuing to increase in flows at a quick pace, however, flows from Holter Dam are also other way up, putting more clear water into the system.
The fishing, right now is between the Dam and the Dearborn, but water clarity is improving down lower. As the water warms, expect the fish to start eating San Juan worms and Crayfish patterns fished under an indicator in the coming weeks. More rain in the forecast will get the BWO hatches going with more consistency and we could see March Browns next week. If you are not familiar with the river, expect things to be hard to figure out right now as water levels are getting to the point where many of the islands and gravel bars are no longer noticeable.
The Dam to Wolf Creek section is still loaded with spawning fish on redds 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.
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.
