Winter recedes on Montana’s Missouri River earlier than elsewhere in the state. March brings warming water temperatures and increased insect activity that continues to ramp up through April. These pre-runoff days can be relatively quiet, as the high-season crowds have not yet arrived, but the fishing can be exceptional. Steady hatches of midges and blue-winged olive mayflies (BWOs) bring trout to the surface, particularly on overcast days.
Around this time, many of the Missouri’s rainbow trout head up tributaries like Prickly Pear Creek and the Dearborn River to spawn, but not all. Plenty of rainbows remain in the mainstem and continue to feed heavily, alongside the brown trout.
When the water levels begin to rise (usually in mid to late April) hatches diminish, but the trout don’t stop feeding. Quite the opposite, increased flows dislodge aquatic annelids (worms) and crustaceans (scuds) from the substrate and send them tumbling in the current. The trout take full advantage. Anglers fishing subsurface with nymphs experience consistent action throughout high water on the Missouri.
Midge and BWO hatches are common on calm, cloudy days as the Montana weather starts to warm. March brown activity begins in late April or early May. Skwala stoneflies hatch sporadically between the mouth of the Dearborn and Pelican Point Fishing Access Site.
Early season dry fly fishing offers a much-anticipated chance to cast at rising fish for fly anglers coming out of a long Montana winter. Blue-winged olive (BWO) mayfly and midge hatches bring slow-rising trout to the surface in foam-lined back eddies. Sparkle Duns and midge clusters (like Griffith’s Gnats) are standard dry fly patterns for the Missouri River in April.
Nymph fishing steadily improves throughout the month with warming water temperatures and rising flows. Tandem nymph rigs fished on 9’ leaders with fluorocarbon tippet sections under a strike indicator are effective for covering the deep seams where rainbow and brown trout congregate to feed on passing invertebrates. Sowbug, scud, midge, small mayfly, and worm imitations are usually effective
Expect slower streamer fishing in April as the cold temperatures generally keep the trout somewhat lethargic. Try slow stripping leech imitations across the current on sinking lines to move trout in April’s cold water.
The crew at Fins and Feathers Guide Service settles into Craig, Montana around mid-April for eight weeks on this legendary, blue-ribbon trout fishery. We have over two decades of experience guiding Missouri River fishing trips in April with guests from around the country.
Anglers of all skill levels are welcome and encouraged to join our team of Montana fly fishing guides for Missouri River day trips in April. Advanced anglers relish the head-hunting opportunities during mid-day hatches. Novices can expect to learn and improve their fly fishing skills with the persistent coaching of our patient guides while tangling with big, strong Missouri river trout.
Reservations for our Missouri River fly fishing guide trips can be secured online, via e-mail, or by calling us at 1-406-468-5019. Contact Us to learn more about these trips or for help creating a customized itinerary for your group.
These trips fill up quickly with our many repeat guests, so early bookings are recommended. Lodging options in the area are limited, and we are happy to help you find the right accommodations for your group.