Fly Fishing in Craig Montana

Nestled along the banks of the Missouri River is the small town of Craig Montana. This little trout town is more than just a dot on the map, it’s the gateway to one of the finest tailwater fisheries in the country. This blue-ribbon stretch boasts abundant wildlife, prolific insect hatches, and some of the hardest-working fishing guides in the state.

Diverse Fly Fishing Opportunities

With more than 35 miles of world-class trout water, anglers have plenty of room to explore. The Missouri River supports a healthy population of wild rainbow and brown trout, sustained by the cool, clean, and consistent flows released from Holter Dam. Those regulated flows create ideal habitat that supports the insect life that allows these fish to thrive year-round.

One of the biggest draws to fly fishing in Craig is the diversity of hatches that unfold throughout the seasons. Whether you prefer wading or fishing from a drift boat, Craig is the epicenter of Missouri River fly fishing. Each section of river offers a unique experience, from shallow riffles and deep, slow-moving pools to long, glassy runs bordered by riprap shorelines.No matter your skill level or fishing preference, you’ll find it in Craig Montana.

Missouri River Insect Hatches

Caddis Hatch: One of the most anticipated fly hatches of the year is the Caddis. The river comes alive with thousands of caddisflies beginning in June, providing easy meals for hungry trout. Anglers can expect to witness splashy surface activity as brown and rainbow trout rise to feed on these fluttering insects. Matching the hatch with caddisfly patterns can yield rewarding results when fishing with dry flies. Elk hair caddis variations, parachute caddis, and spent caddis patterns can all produce.

Pale Morning Dun Hatch: As spring transitions into summer, the Pale Morning Dun (PMD) Mayfly takes center stage. This hatch typically occurs in June and lasts throughout the summer months. PMDs are delicate mayflies that can emerge in large numbers, creating a visual spectacle on the water. The nymphs hatch into adults, and anglers can enjoy exhilarating dry fly action. PMD patterns, such as Parachute Adams, Hi Vis spinners, and Last Chance Cripples, are great fly patterns to fool selective trout.

Trico Mayfly Hatch: For early risers, the Trico hatch provides an exciting opportunity for morning fishing throughout the summer. Tricos are tiny flies that hatch in large numbers, creating a cloud-like presence along the riverbanks. Once these flies mate and die, things really get going. The spinner fall triggers the bite, with tons of dead Trico mayflies on the water’s surface. Fishing this hatch can challenge even the most skilled anglers due to the trout’s selective feeding behavior. As a result, when trout are feeding on Trico spinners, they rarely move out of their feeding lane. Therefore, accuracy and delicate presentations are crucial to fooling wary trout during this hatch. Even so, casting other dry flies at Trico-eating fish can also yield big rewards.Make the first cast count.

Blue-winged Olives (BWOs) dominate the early season, providing excellent opportunities for the dry fly anglers. For BWOs, the best flies are the Parachute Adams, Film Critics, and spinners in sizes 16–20. These patterns sit low, ride naturally, and fool those picky Missouri River trout that seem to inspect every fiber. On cloudy, you can expect steady risers and some of the most technical, rewarding dry-fly fishing of the year. A long leader, a soft presentation, and the right bug make all the difference.

Terrestrials – When summer settles in, grasshoppers and ants can be great options during the dog days of summer. Low-riding foam beatles, hoppers or ants are solid choices when dry fly fishing in Craig, Montana. Tag a small perdigon or pheasant tail nymph off and hang on.

Missouri River Fly Fishing Guides

For those seeking guidance, our professional fly fishing guides possess an intimate knowledge of the river. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, hiring a guide can enhance your trip. They’ll help you read water, refine your cast, and choose the right flies for the day’s conditions. More importantly, local guides take the guesswork out so you can relax, learn, and simply enjoy your time on the water. With a Missouri river guide on the oars, you’ll not only catch more fish—you’ll walk away a better angler.

Fly Fishing Community Craig Montana

The fly fishing community is vibrant and welcoming. Plus the folks in Craig are happy to assist visitors with their angling endeavors. Local guides provide valuable insights on the most appropriate flies to use and the most effective techniques to employ. Local fly shops, lodges, and eateries offer a friendly atmosphere. It’s a place where first timers rub elbows with seasoned pros, and where friendships are forged. There’s a sense of camaraderie that sets it apart from other fly fishing destinations.

Lodging in Craig Montana

Craig has a range of lodging options, from cabins to riverside lodges. Whether you’re looking for a cozy retreat or a upscale lodge with all the amenities, there’s something for every angler’s preference. Additionally, our partner properties offer Living Water clients exclusive pricing and accommodations, making your stay both convenient and affordable. From early morning coffee to swapping fish stories around the firepit, Craig offers the authentic Montana fly fishing experience. To find out more about fly fishing in Craig, Montana, give us a call, we’re happy to help you plan your stay.