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Missouri River Fishing Report

Date: 03/22/2025
Posted by: Toby Swank

Current Conditions

Some pretty fantastic weather is on its way to the mighty Missouri River. This weekend is still a bit chilly but by mid next week temps will be in the high sixties. Lots of rain is in the forecast so don't forget your rain jacket. The rainy days could make for some Midge hatches as well as a solid streamer bite. The nymphing should be hot regardless of the weather.

For your nymphing rod, set up a tandem nymph rig with a Scud, Sowbug, or Worm as the lead fly followed by a Zebra Midge, Micro May, or small Perdigon. Focus your nymphing on the slow moving water. If streamers is more your speed try slow stripping a Skiddish Smolt, Sparkle Minnow, or a Goldie.

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

Stream Flows

Missouri River Fishing Report Streamflow

Flows

Recommended Flies

				  Tailwater Sowbug TNG S Bd Rainbow

Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug

				  Micro Mayfly Mercer CB Olive

Olive Micro May

				  All around mayfly pattern for fly fishing Montana.

Rainbow Warrior Jig

				  Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail TNG B Bd Nat

Tungsten Soft Hacke Pheasant Tail

Missouri River Fishing Trips

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.