Missouri River Fishing Report
Date: 05/06/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Missouri River below Holter Dam near Craig, Montana, is fishing well as we slowly transition towards the runoff season. With flows around 4,500 CFS and water temperatures in the upper 40s°F, the river is still in good shape for both wade and floating anglers.
Nymphing continues to be the most productive strategy with tandem fly rigs fished 4-6 feet below an indicator. Fish the slow to medium-speed flows along seams with some depth to them for the most consistent bite.
There are some blue-winged olives and March Browns won’t be too far away as the weather warms. Look for mild, cloudy days this time of year if dry fly fishing is your thing.
Streamer fly fishing has been inconsistent as the water temperatures are still too cold. This is a great time of year to go smaller with streamers and use patterns with some flash to them, like a sparkle minnow, skiddish smolt, or kreelex.
Looking ahead, the Missouri River below Holter Dam will fish exceptionally well during the runoff season. While upstream rivers may become challenging due to snowmelt, this tailwater section typically maintains consistent flows and clarity, providing reliable fishing conditions through May and into early June. Expect some clarity issues from time to time as Little Prickly Pear and the Dearborn rise with periodic rains and snowmelt.
Our staff recommends late April through early June as the best time of the year for a guided fly fish trip to the Missouri River near Craig, Montana.
Learn More at these Helpful Links:
- How is May for fly fishing the Missouri River?
- Is June a good month to fly fish near Craig, Montana?
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug
Olive Micro May
Little Green Machine
Skiddish Smolt
Gold/Silver/Copper Kreelex
Sparkle Minnow
BWO Sparkle Dun
Olive RS2
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.
Additional Missouri River Fly Fishing Resources
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Post Date: 03/29/2025
Fly fish the Missouri River, near Craig, Montana with Fins and Feathers Guide Service from early April through mid-June for some of the best fly fishing in Montana. Fantastic nymph...
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