Montana Fishing Reports ยท Central Region
Below Holter Dam, the Missouri runs past Craig through a canyon of basalt cliffs, a big tailwater with thousands of trout per mile and great fall dry-fly days.
Looking for the latest Missouri River at Craig river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Missouri River โ Craig.
Current flows
Wind forecast
Missouri River at Craig fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The gauge below Holter Dam reads around 2,600 cfs, a normal fall release, and the water is clear.
BWOs come off on cloudy afternoons, and midges are always there. Nymph sow bugs, scuds and small mayflies on a long leader, and watch for heads in the slow seams.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Craig, bring: Kaufmann', s Scud #14-16, Zebra Midge #18-20, JuJu Baetis #18-20, Parachute Adams #18-20, Sparkle Dun #18-20, San Juan Worm #12, RS2 Emerger #18-22, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-20, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Missouri River at Craig details
| Access | Fishing access sites at Holter Dam, Wolf Creek Bridge, Craig and Mid Cannon. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 3,500 ft |
| Nearest town | Craig, Montana |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Fish | Rainbow and brown trout |
| Regulations | Montana's stream regulations vary by district and river. Check Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks regulations for the current rules. A Montana fishing license is required for anglers 12 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 to 12 ft leaders, 5X to 6X tippet |
| Camping | Holter Lake campgrounds and fishing access sites |
| Kids | Partly. Easy access, but big water. |
| Good to know | Busy in summer. Fall and winter are quieter. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Midges and steady flows.
Spring
BWOs and rising rainbows.
Summer
PMDs, caddis and tricos.
Fall
BWOs and streamers.
How to get there
From Helena, take I-15 north to Wolf Creek or Craig.