Dearborn River
The Dearborn is a medium-sized Montana river that runs through approximately 65 miles of stunning Montana landscape. It originates in the Bob Marshall Wilderness as a small headwater stream before eventually flowing into the Missouri River
The headwater sections are only accessible by foot, as they are within the boundaries of the wilderness area. This diminutive flow offers anglers solitude, beauty, and small, wild trout. The middle stretch flows through rolling hills and rocky outcroppings and is best floated between the HWY 200 and 287 bridges.
Floating the Dearborn River below Highway 287 is an unforgettable Montana fly fishing experience. This 19-mile stretch of river winds through rolling hills and dramatic canyons, joining the Missouri River about six miles east of Craig. This scenic stretch is the most popular section for floating and fly-fishing the Dearborn River.
The Best Experience
"I have had the good fortune to fish many guides in all areas of our country and many bodies of water. I have never had a better experience than this trip..."
- Brent G
Dearborn River Sections
Upper Dearborn River Fishing
Limited access, rough terrain, and long hikes keep most people off this water. For those drawn to solitude and adventure, the upper Dearborn offers a quiet gem.
Anglers fishing the upper Dearborn can easily access the river via streamside hiking trails that accommodate both horse and foot traffic.
Relatively light angling pressure and an abundance of small to medium-sized trout can make for an enjoyable Montana fly fishing summer experience.
Highway 200 - Highway 287
The middle section of the Dearborn River flows for almost 10 miles through rolling hills and rocky outcroppings. Access is available at both highway bridges for float and wade anglers.
This relatively mellow stretch of the Dearborn is a popular early-season float when water conditions are ideal. Standard fly fishing techniques like indicator-nymphing and dry/dropper fishing are effective. The river is closed to fishing until the third Saturday in May, and the best window for floating and fly fishing the Dearborn River usually closes by mid-June.
Water conditions vary year-to-year and are dependent on winter snowpack and spring moisture. Experienced anglers can wade confidently during the early summer morning hours and find success using dry/dropper and single attractor dry flies.
Fly Fishing the Dearborn River Canyon
These 19 miles of Dearborn River—accessed at the HWY 287 bridge—are the most scenic and popular for flyfishing Montana on the Dearborn River. After meandering through a few miles of gently rolling hills, the landscape and water quickly change at the mouth of the upper canyon.
Towering canyon walls and mixed whitewater sections keep both anglers and oarsmen “on point” during this epic float along one of the most beautiful streams in Montana.
Streamer fishing the Dearborn River is the favorite technique used by Montana fishing guides in high and off-color water conditions. Big dries and dry/dropper rigs are standard setups for clear-water.
Dearborn River Fishing May - June
Most years, we expect to be able to float and fly fish the Dearborn River between the third Saturday in May and mid-June. Flows drop quickly as the runoff ends and spring rains subside. Ideal flows for Dearborn River fishing and floating are between 600-900 CFS.
Floating and fishing this entire stretch requires a long day—even at higher flows. We do not recommended attempting to float this stretch in a single day when flows are below 400 CFS.
Standard fly fishing setups for the Dearborn river include large attractor dry flies (such as Chubby Chernobyl patterns in gold, pteronarcys, or purple) followed by a beaded generalist dropper nymph (like a Pat's Rubberlegs, Prince Nymph, or Lightning Bug).
Streamer fly fishing with mixed-density sink-tip fly lines (like the Rio ELITE Predator) is very effective during high flows, regardless of water clarity. Streamer fly patterns like a Double Gonga, Dungeon, or Sparkle Minnow are go-to patterns when packing a Dearborn River fly box.
Anglers can expect March brown and BWO hatches during overcast days. Golden stones, caddis, and yellow sallies will be around in late May if the weather is warm and dry for several days.
There are summertime fishing options on the upper Dearborn River, but the middle and lower sections become severely dewatered by July.
Anglers fishing near Craig, Montana should focus their efforts solely on Missouri River fishing after June 15.
Montana Fly Fishing Guide Dearborn River Fly Box
Dearborn River Fly Fishing Guide Trips
Fins and Feathers Guide Service has been outfitting Montana fly fishing trips for over two decades. Dearborn River fishing trips through the lower canyon section are a client favorite during late May or early June.
Easily one of the most scenic rivers in Montana, floating the Dearborn River with our Montana fly fishing guides will give you a lifetime memory.
The short season to float the Dearborn coincides with our Missouri River Guide Trip season. We offer Dearborn River fishing trips as an option during this time to experienced and hearty anglers for $775 a day.
Montana Fish of the Dearborn River
