Missouri River
Montana · Central Montana
Brown TroutRainbow Trout
Top 5 Fishing Locations on Missouri River
Holter Dam Tailwater
The Missouri below Holter Dam near Craig is Montana's most intensely managed trout fishery and one of the most productive in the world. Dense populations of 18-24 inch brown and rainbow trout require technical midge and scud presentations. The world record for multiple size categories has been set in this world-class section.
💧 Ideal flow: 3,000–6,000 CFS. The Craig section below Holter Dam is the most famous stretch — consistent tailwater flows make this fishable year-round.
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Craig
The small town of Craig is the center of Missouri River guide culture with numerous outfitters accessing the prime tailwater. Floating through Craig allows anglers to cover the best water from Holter Dam to Cascade. The Missouri here holds fish in the 18-22 inch range throughout the year.
💧 Ideal flow: 2,500–5,500 CFS. Holter Dam to Craig is prime water — stable releases create exceptional PMD and trico hatches.
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Wolf Creek Bridge
The bridge at Wolf Creek provides wade access to excellent Missouri River trout water at the heart of the Craig corridor. Large rainbow and brown trout average 16-20 inches throughout this section. Baetis PMD and trico hatches create outstanding dry fly fishing from April through October.
💧 Ideal flow: 3,000–6,000 CFS. The lower Missouri fishes well at moderate flows — large browns and rainbows hold in the deep runs.
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Cascade Section
Below Cascade the Missouri begins its transition from prime tailwater to a bigger river with slightly different character. Large brown trout still inhabit this section with fish using the changing habitat to their advantage. Float fishing is the most effective approach in this wider water.
💧 Ideal flow: 2,500–5,000 CFS. Fishes best at stable consistent flows from Holter Dam — sudden releases can disrupt feeding patterns.
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Pelican Point
Pelican Point is a popular float fishing destination on the lower Missouri tailwater with excellent brown and rainbow trout throughout. The gravel bars and cottonwood-lined banks create classic Montana river scenery. Evening spinner falls in July create some of the Missouri's most spectacular dry fly fishing.
💧 Ideal flow: 3,000–6,000 CFS. Wolf Creek area fishes best at moderate tailwater flows — trico spinner falls in late summer are exceptional here.
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About Missouri River Fishing
The Missouri River below Holter Dam near Craig is one of Montana's premier tailwater fisheries, renowned for producing trophy-sized brown and rainbow trout. This world-class destination offers exceptional fly fishing opportunities throughout the year, with its cold, consistent flows creating ideal conditions for healthy trout populations.
Best Time to Fish Missouri River
Spring brings prolific Pale Morning Dun hatches that create excellent dry fly opportunities, while late summer features spectacular Trico spinner falls that can last for hours. Float fishing remains extremely popular year-round on this section, with each season offering distinct advantages for anglers seeking consistent action.
Species
Brown trout dominate the Missouri River below Holter Dam and frequently reach trophy proportions, offering the potential for 18+ inch fish on properly presented flies. Rainbow trout are equally abundant in these waters and provide excellent opportunities for both sight-casting and hatch-matching throughout the season.
Access & Regulations
Always check the current Montana fishing regulations before heading out. Regulations on Missouri River may include special catch-and-release sections, artificial-only stretches, and seasonal closures. A valid Montana fishing license is required.
Live River Data
Flow data on this page comes straight from the USGS National Water Information System — the same source professional guides rely on. Readings update every 15–60 minutes, tracking CFS and gauge height in real time.