Missouri River Fishing Report
Date: 07/16/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Missouri River below Holter Dam is delivering classic mid-summer tailwater conditions—stable flows, consistent hatches, and technical fishing that rewards those who put in the time and attention. Early mornings have been especially productive, with air temperatures in the upper 40s giving way to mid-80s by late afternoon. Early starts have been getting the best results, and we have been seeing good numbers of surface feeders.
Hatch-wise, we’re in that sweet mid-July window: PMD's have been emerging steadily, from late morning into early afternoon, followed by dependable evening caddis activity. The trico hatch is just coming into its own. Early spinner falls have been producing pods of selective trout in shallow riffles and side seams. Success here requires a quiet approach, long leaders, and flies in the size 18–22 range to match the naturals. The technical nature of this dry fly game is what makes the Missouri legendary.
Nymphing remains effective throughout the day, especially in the riffles, drop-offs, and inside bends of island runs. PMD, caddis nymphs, and perdigons fished on 4X under a strike indicator have been getting the eats in the afternoons on hot sunny days.
Water clarity remains excellent, and with flows stable, both floating and wading has been productive. From the dam down through Craig and into Cascade, this system is dialed in.
Additional Resources:
- Missouri River fly fishing in July
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
CDC Trico Spinner
Double Wing Trico Spinner
Little Green Machine
Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug
PMD Crackback
PMD Sparkle Dun
Rusty Profile Spinner
Peacock Elk Hair Caddis
Missouri River Fly Fishing in Craig Montana
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
Montana River Shuttles
Post Date: 03/29/2025
River shuttle services are an integral part of the Montana fly fishing scene as floating these legendary western rivers is the standard way to fish and experience them. Be sure...
Learn MoreMontana Fly Fishing Trip Photo Galleries
Post Date: 03/29/2025
Get a glimpse into a day of guided fly fishing in Montana from the viewpoint of the guides and guests with Bozeman fly fishing outfitter, Fins and Feathers Guide Service...
Learn MoreMissouri River Guided Fly Fishing Trips
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...
Learn MoreMissouri River Fly Fishing Area Map
Related Articles From The Montana Fly Fishing Blog
Category: Missouri River Information
Montana Fly Fishing the Early Season on the Missouri River
Post Date: 09/27/2024
Prime season for fly fishing near Craig, Montana, on the Missouri River kicks into gear around April 15 and runs through early July. The season begins with blanket hatches of...
Read Article
Category: The Best Fly Fishing
Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide To May
Post Date: 04/26/2025
Expect ever-changing conditions, unpredictable weather, and some incredible dry fly fishing during the Mother's Day caddis hatch when it all comes together, just right for the anglers fly fishing in...
Read Article