Fishing Season: early Spring

Missouri River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

51

CrossCurrents Fly Shop's Tip of the Week

The caddis have arrived this week, although they are still working their way upriver. Fishing has been excellent starting in the late morning into the late afternoon, so don't worry about getting an early start.

Directions open in app

Map of Missouri River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Blue Damsel Lodge
Fins & Feathers
PRO Outfitters
Bitterroot Fly Company
Living Water

5-Day Outlook as of 5/11/26

The start of May has brought nice weather with it. Temperatures for most days are in the 60s and 70s, although those mornings are still a little brisk. Bring a jacket to wear in the morning and for occasional rain storms, and shed that jacket in the afternoon for warmth and sun.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/11/26

The two suggested techniques right now would be nymphing BWOs, caddis, and worm patterns or targeting rising fishing starting in the early afternoon using BWOs and caddis patterns. If you are nymphing, I would recommend any olive or brown perdigon (size 16-18) to a BWO nymph (size 18) about six feet down. We are also short leashing in the afternoons, putting 2 small nymphs beneath some pinch ons with no split shot and casting in water 2-3 feet deep. A worm followed by a sowbug has also been a good option for the morning. Throwing some split shot on the will make the rig more efficient. The caddis hatch has brought even more rising fish. Strong hatches downriver of Craig have created targets for when it's too sunny for BWOs. Upriver of Craig to the Dam is still mainly BWOs. I would recommend a 9ft 4x leader down to a size 16 caddis and tying 18 inches of 5x off the bend of the hook to a size 18 or 20 BWO.

Local Species Available early Spring

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    Rainbow Trout

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    Brown Trout

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    and White Fish

CrossCurrents Fly Shop's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Flashback Baetis Nymph Olive or Brown #18
Vernille San Juan Worm Red #8
RS2 Olive #20
Bead Body Scud N/A #14-#16
Tailwater Sowbug N/A #14 - #16
Spanish Bullet Olive or Brown #18
Bead Head Caddis Pupa N/A #16
CDC Caddis Tan #16-#18
Flesh Eating Sculpin Black n Blue #4 - #6
Sculpzilla N/A #4 - #8

Flashback Baetis Nymph

BWO nymphs are flies you can depend on.

1.99

Item #80AT

Buy Now

CrossCurrents Fly Shop's Recommended Gear

Description: About Missouri River

The Missouri River is one of the largest and most easily accessed rivers in Montana. The mighty MO is certainly a trout factory! Three reservoirs in a row make this tailwater fishery have a constant water flow and stable temperatures from day to day. Amazingly fertile, with prolific hatches of mayflies, caddis, and midges, the Missouri is a 365 day river. You'll see fish rising just about every day of the year. Take a float trip down the Missouri and you'll know why it made such a powerful impression on Lewis and Clark during their great expedition. During the summer, caddis and mayfly hatches are so prolific that it looks as though there is a mini blizzard over the river. This river is known for its excellent dry fly fishing. But it's also amazing when fished with emergers. or small bead-heads as a dropper behind a dry fly. The MO fishes fantastically in the shoulder seasons of Spring and Fall with Baetis and Midges for dries and big, ugly streamers! That is when some very big fish are caught! The Missouri throws itself into the heated debate of "Row vs. Wade" because it is so perfectly suited to angle from both a drift boat (or other water craft) as well as wade fishing on foot. With an adult trout population (Rainbows and Browns over 10") between 4000-8000 fish per mile and an average size of 16"-18", it's not too hard to figure out why the Missouri ranks up there with many people's favorite places to fish!

Nearest Airport:

Helena, Great Falls

Hatches:

BWOs, Caddis, March Browns

Best Time to Fish:

Mid-morning and evening

Best Stretch:

Craig to Mid, Mid to Prewett Creek

Best Access:

Holter Dam, Wolf Creek Bridge, Craig, Stickney, Spite Hill, Mid-Canon, Mountain Palace, Prewett Creek, Pelican, with walk-in access between all those.