Missouri River Caddis Hatch

The Missouri River near the town of Craig Montana, is a world-renowned fly fishing destination. From mothers day through Septmeber hard core dry fly anglers are on the Missouri River or dreaming about it. This is the peak of dry fly season especially for those who love the caddis fly hatch. The caddis hatch is a natural phenomenon that occurs every year when millions of caddis flies emerge from the river to mate and lay eggs. These blizzard hatches have most trout in the river looking up.

Fishing the Caddis fly hatch on the Missouri River

The Missouri River requires a bit of planning and preparation. She’s a tough and technical river on most days. Anglers should make sure they spend time practicing their casting and ariel mends if they want to fool big dry fly eating trout. Having a good variety of caddis fly patterns is important as some fish may be selective. Being aware of the river conditions such as flows and water temperatures can help dial in fishing this hatch. Caddisfly larvae and pupae are commonly fly patterns often used when nymphing. Understanding the caddisfly life cycle and behavior can help anglers choose the right fly pattern and presentation to help put more fish in the net.

The best time to fish the caddis hatch on the Missouri River

Beginning in early summer we’ll see the first caddis on the river. Although this can vary with flows, weather and water temperatures. Anglers should monitor local fishing reports and river conditions to determine the best time to fish. Once the hatch is underway, plan to fish early in the morning or late in the evening when the caddis flies are most active. When fishing the caddis fly hatch on the Missouri River, anglers should look for areas where the trout are rising. The rise form when a trout eats a caddis is often splashy. Areas of focus should include rifles, runs, and tailouts where the current is moderate to fast. It’s also important to look for areas with structure, such as rocks and logs, where the trout can hide and ambush their prey.

Dry fly presentation

Fishing a caddis to rising fish is as exciting as it gets. A proven method is setting up above the fish and presenting a downstream cast. Avoid casting over the fish. It’s important to pay close attention to the drift and currents. Watch the fish and the current seams before casting. Make the first cast count! Reach cast, stack mending and watch them eat it!. Be ready to set the hook as soon as a trout takes the fly.

Caddis Fly Patterns

Some popular dry fly Caddis patterns for Missouri River include the X-Caddis, Corn fed caddis and the blooms caddis. Try experimenting with different patterns and sizes if the trout are being picky. In most cases Missouri river trout will eat most well presented offerings. Tagging off a sunken ant as a dropper fly can be very effective for picky fish.

In addition to the caddis fly hatch, the Missouri River near Craig offers excellent dry fly fishing opportunities year-round. The Pale Morning Dun , Trico and the Blue Winged Olive are also highly anticipated hatches and my personal favorites.

When planning a trip to fly fish the Missouri River, anglers should be respectful of one another. Early summer the river sees a fair amount of traffic from both drift boats and walk- wade fisherman. If you’re in a drift boat give the wade fisherman some room. Anglers should practice catch-and-release as well as good fish handling. Wet your hands, crimp your barbs and limit the time the fish are out of the water. This will help us all enjoy the resource for years to come.

In addition to fishing, the Missouri River offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and rafting. The area is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bald eagles, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, bear and pronghorn antelope.

Accommodations in the Craig area include Airbnb rentals, lodges, and campgrounds. Many of these options are just a short drive to the river, fly shops and dining. Overall, fishing any hatch on the Missouri River can be an unforgettable experience. Give us a call to find our more about fishing the MIssouri River.