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Missouri River Fishing Report

Date: 09/04/2024
Posted by: Toby Swank

Cooler mornings have slowed the Trico hatch down compared to a week or so ago - leaving the dry fly angler fishing the Missouri River with fewer headhunting opportunities. The bugs are still around though, and the keen angler can find noses here and there throughout the day. There are still Caddis out as well and these become more effective a few hours after the Trico spinner fall, continuing until dusk

Nymphing the skinny water and along weed bed edges with crayfish patterns followed by small, generalist nymph patterns continues to produce.

Floating grass and algae are always an issue for anglers fishing the Missouri River near Craig, Montana this time of the year. Focus your efforts on the upper river between Craig and Holter Dam if nymph-fishing is your "thing" right now.

If you're interested in guided Missouri River fishing trips, our Bozeman Montana fly fishing guide service can help. We have over 20 years of experience guiding Missouri River anglers in various water conditions throughout the year. 

Our guide staff recommends late April through early June as the best time of the year to fish the Missouri River near Craig, Montana.

Missouri River Fishing Report Streamflow

Click to enlarge

Flows

4190 CFS
On 2024-9-4

							  Frenchie Jig

Jig Frenchie

							  Cdc spinner trico black

CDC Trico Spinner

							  The zirdle is a classic crayfish imitation used throughout Montana fly fishing rivers.

Jig Zirdle

							  Two wing trico spinner

Double Wing Trico Spinner

Fly fish Montana on the Missouri River near Craig Montana between April and July with our team of expert guides. Early season is the best time to experience Missouri River fishing in Montana. Fins and Feathers Guide Service has been outfitting Montana fly fishing trips on the Missouri River since 2000.

Expert anglers can focus on perfecting their dry fly skills or streamer fly fish the canyon for trophy Brown Trout. Novice and first-time fly anglers are assured plenty of hook-ups and will quickly improve their skills with the patient instruction of our guide staff.


  • $725 for 1 or 2 Anglers Per Guide
  • Float Trips With Wading Opportunities
  • Use of All Fishing Equipment Is Included
  • Single And Multi-Day Trip Bookings Available
  • Meet In Craig Montana
  • Book Online or Contact Us To Learn More

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.