Missouri River Fishing Report
Date: 04/17/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The weather forecast around Craig Montana is looking a lot better than the Bozeman area. No snow in the forecast with temps in the fifties. Fishing on Montana’s Missouri River has been good, not great lately. Anglers are doing well nymphing and on the right overcast afternoon there has been some good dry fly action.
For our nymph rigs we have been fishing Worms, Scuds, or Sow Bugs as the lead fly. Below that Zebra Midges, Micro Mays, small Perdigons, and Lighting Bugs have been the ticket. Anglers are finding most of their nymph fish in very slow moving water. Edges of weed beds and gravel bars have been some hot spots.
For our dry fly opportunities we have been having luck fishing a Peacock Cluster or Griffith's Gnat in size 16-20. Blue Wing Olives are also starting to show up, some favorite patterns are Sparkle Duns, Blue Wing Olive Parachute, and Rs2 Emergers. A 4x 12 foot leader usually gets the job done, if they are being finicky try going to a 5x leader.
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
Flows
Recommended Flies
Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug
Olive Micro May
Rainbow Warrior Jig
Tungsten Soft Hacke Pheasant Tail
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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