Missouri River Fly Fishing Guide
Fly Fishing the Missouri River in Montana
The Missouri River near Craig, Montana is one of the most consistent and productive trout fisheries in the West and a premier destination for guided fly fishing trips. Flowing from Holter Dam toward Cascade, this world-famous tailwater is known for prolific hatches, exceptional populations of wild rainbow and brown trout, and reliable year-round fishing. Anglers fishing the Missouri with a guide can expect technical dry fly opportunities, dependable nymphing, and some of the highest trout density in the country. This Missouri River fly fishing guide covers when, where, and how to fish the Craig stretch, including seasonal hatches, favorite fly patterns, access points, and guided trip options with Rising Trout Fly Fishing Outfitters.
Missouri River Fly Fishing Seasons Near Craig, Montana
Spring Fly Fishing on the Missouri River (March–May)
Spring is one of the most consistent times to fish the Missouri River near Craig, especially for anglers booking guided fly fishing trips. Stable tailwater flows below Holter Dam keep conditions predictable, while warming water temperatures trigger steady insect activity. Nymphing dominates early in the season, with trout feeding heavily in deeper runs, seams, and softer inside bends. As spring progresses, afternoon Blue Winged Olive hatches become more reliable, offering excellent dry fly opportunities on calm, overcast days. This is an ideal season for anglers looking to improve their nymphing technique and learn the subtleties of fishing a technical tailwater with a guide.
Spring Fly Selection (March–May)
Spring on the Missouri River is still “cold-water” fishing for a lot of the season, but it is also prime time for technical nymphing and transitioning toward dry flies as water temperatures slowly rise.
Best Spring Flies
Nymphs (core patterns):
Scuds & Sow Bugs – tailwater staples in sizes 10–20.
Midges – Zebra Midges, Holo 2 Midge, RS2 in #16–#20 for year-round subsurface feeding.
BWO Nymphs – Pheasant Tail, Juju Baetis, Splitback BWO, Purple Weight Fly in #16–#20 for early and mid-season.
Stonefly Nymphs – small dark stonefly nymph imitations for deeper or early spring water.
Dry Flies (targeted windows):
Blue Winged Olive Adults & Emergers – great on overcast days in April/May; #14–#18.
March Brown Mayflies – sporadic but very effective if they are hatching; sizes #12–#16.
Streamer & Big Patterns:
Larger streamers (sculpin and baitefish imitations) can trigger aggressive strikes in deeper runs.
Summer Fly Fishing on the Missouri River (June–August)
Summer is peak season on the Missouri River and one of the best times of year to experience guided fly fishing near Craig, Montana. Thanks to dam-controlled flows, the river remains clear and productive even when surrounding freestone rivers are impacted by runoff. Long days bring prolific hatches, including PMDs, caddis, and tricos, creating legendary dry fly fishing opportunities on flats and riffles. Morning and evening sessions often feature steady surface activity, while midday nymphing remains productive below weed beds and along drop-offs. Guided trips during summer focus on timing hatches, dialing in precise presentations, and covering water efficiently by drift boat.
Summer Fly Selection (June–August)
Summer is when the Missouri River really shines for dry flies, especially if you time it around peak hatches. Pale Morning Duns (PMDs), Caddis, and even Tricos offer excellent surface opportunities.
Best Summer Flies
Dry Flies (hatches):
PMD Cripples & Emergers – excellent through June–July; #14–#18.
Caddis Patterns – tan and green caddis in #14–#18 with emerger and adult patterns.
Trico Spinners & Clusters – small #20 dries for early morning technical fishing.
Nymphs (essential summer rig):
Midges & PMD Subsurface Patterns – lake-style PMD nymphs like Split Case or Military Mayfly
Czech & Weighted Nymphs – smaller heavy nymphs in #14–#18 to get deep in summer runs.
Terrestrials (when warm):
Ants & Beetles – great choice on windy afternoons.
Grasshopper Patterns (Henneberry Hopper, Thunder Thigh Hopper) when riverbanks green up
Fall Fly Fishing on the Missouri River (September–November)
Fall offers some of the most enjoyable and well-rounded fly fishing on the Missouri River. Cooler temperatures and shorter days push trout into aggressive feeding patterns as they prepare for winter. Blue Winged Olive hatches return, crowds thin, and fish spread out through a variety of water types. This is an excellent season for anglers looking to combine technical dry fly fishing with nymphing and streamer fishing throughout the day. Fall guided trips often target larger brown trout, with streamers producing during low-light periods and overcast weather, while midges and BWOs keep dry fly anglers busy in the afternoons.
Fall Fly Selection (September–November)
Fall on the Missouri sees BWO returns, heavy nymphing windows, and excellent streamer opportunities as trout bulk up for winter.
Best Fall Flies
Nymphs:
Midges – perennial favorites subsurface #16–#20.
Sows & Zebras & Czech Nymphs – diverse nymph rigs for deep or fast runs.
Mayfly Nymphs (BWO) – excellent on cooler days as BWOs return.
Dry Flies:
BWO Adults – great on overcast fall days ; #16–#22.
Small Midges – small technical dries in low water.
Streamers & Big Flies:
Streamers become more effective with cooling temps and lower flows.
Winter Fly Fishing on the Missouri River (December–February)
Unlike many Montana rivers, the Missouri River remains fishable all winter, making it a top destination for cold-season guided fly fishing. Consistent releases from Holter Dam prevent ice buildup, and trout feed steadily during the warmest part of the day. Winter fishing is slower-paced and technical, with small nymphs and midges producing best in deep, slow-moving water. While conditions can be cold, anglers willing to focus on midday windows are often rewarded with uncrowded water and surprisingly strong action. Winter guided trips emphasize precise depth control, light tippet, and understanding winter trout behavior in a tailwater environment.
Winter Fly Selection (December–February)
Winter Missouri River fishing tends to be deep, slow, nymph-centric since surface hatches are limited — but midges and BWOs still show consistently.
Best Winter Flies
Midges (subsurface) — Zebra Midges, RS2 in #16–#20.
Sow Bugs & Scuds — a major food source for trout in winter.
BWO Nymphs — effective on warmer winter days.
Attractor Nymphs — Perdigons, Rainbow Warrior, Purple Weight Fly
Best Places to Fish & Public Access on the Missouri River
The most popular and productive stretch of the Missouri River for fly fishing runs from Holter Dam near Craig downstream to Cascade, offering a unique combination of outstanding float fishing and extensive walk-and-wade access. This section of river is well-known for its consistent trout populations, stable flows, and variety of water types that suit anglers of all skill levels.
Key Access Points
Holter Dam
Wolf Creek Bridge
Craig Boat Ramp
Stickney Creek
Mid Canon
Prewett Creek
Dearborn Access
Cascade
Guided Missouri River Fly Fishing Trips
At Rising Trout Fly Fishing Outfitters, our Missouri River trips are designed for anglers who want to fully experience this world-class fishery. Due to the driving distance from Bozeman we only offer full-day trips only on the Missouri. We have a 2 day minimum on Missouri River guide trips and recommend clients stay in Helena, Wolf Creek, or Craig.
Missouri River Trip Details
Full Day Guided Float Trip: $750 per day - the extra charge helps cover some of our guides travel expenses due to the distance from Bozeman.
Minimum Booking: 2 consecutive days
Location: Most of our Guide trips will meet in Craig or Wolf Creek
Included: Rods, reels, flies, tackle (if needed), lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, and expert instruction
Plan Your Missouri River Fly Fishing Trip
Whether you’re looking to master technical dry fly fishing, improve your nymphing skills, or simply experience one of Montana’s most famous rivers with an experienced local guide, the Missouri delivers. Our guided trips provide the instruction, access, and local knowledge needed to make the most of your time on the water.