missouri river fishing report.jpg__PID:2e2c3e20-6da0-4ea3-8ba8-3270462890c0

Missouri River Fishing Report

Our Missouri River fishing report comes to you straight from our experience on the water. We are on the Missouri River fly fishing daily during the season and have the tips, tactics, and fly selections to help you catch fish. Stay up-to-date with the Missouri River fishing report straight from our Montana fly shop.

QUALITY RATING
4 / 5

Full details Below

May 20, 2025

CURRENT REPORT

Lot's of anglers have headed to the Missouri recently, and for good reason.  Water conditions are great below Holter Dam near Craig, making anglers and trout happy. The dry fly bite is getting better each day, and we are seeing BWOs, March Browns and some Caddis down on the lower river and in the canyon.  BWO emergers and cripples seem to catch more fish than the duns right now.  March Browns in a sz 12-14 Brindlechute or Cripple will get the job done.  Nymphing is working best right now, if you aren't finding rising fish.  Sow Bugs are king, but perdigons in the BWO variety as well as Caddis nymphs on the lower river are a go to. Our favorites are Jig PTs, Duracells, Napoleons and Frenchies.  Streamer fishing when the clouds are around is always a good bet in May.  Streamers like Circus Peanuts, Thin Mint Buggers, Lil' Kim's and Chicago Overcoats are doing good.

Looking Forward

Dry Fly fishing will just keep getting better as the month progresses.  Look for Caddis to be a quick event, but good.  PMD's by the end of the month.

FEATURED FLIES

VIEW ALL

MISSOURI RIVER Conditions

Know before you go! Understand current Missouri River flows, temperature, and conditions before hitting the water.

Missouri River FLOWS

missouri river flows at Toston Montana
missouri river flows below hauser dam in Montana
missouri river flows below holter dam
missouri river flows at cascade montana
missouri river flows at great falls
missouri river flows at fort benton, montana

Missouri River Temperature

Temperature Graph at Toston, Montana
Temperature Graph at holter dam below wolf creek, montana

Craig, MT WEATHER FORECAST

See the Missouri River fishing report weather forecast for the next 7-days. For more information on the forecast or detailed weather data, please visit NOAA Weather Data – Craig, Montana.

GEAR UP FOR YOUR TRIP

FLY RODS

REELS

wading

FLY lines

FLIES

accessories

FLY  tying

Not Fly Fishing the Missouri River?

FISHING REPORTS