Missouri River

The Crown Jewel of Montana Fly Fishing

The Missouri River in Montana: History,

Significance & World-Class Fly Fishing

The Missouri River holds enormous significance—not just for Montana, but for the entire nation.

It's important geographically, environmentally,

strategically, and economically. Flowing through the heart of Big Sky Country, it also happens to be home to what many consider the best fly fishing in the lower 48.

A River with Deep Roots in American History

As discovered by the Lewis & Clark Expedition, the Missouri River begins in a beautiful valley near Three Forks, Montana, where the Jefferson, Gallatin, and Madison Rivers merge. This confluence marks the official headwaters of the Missouri—the longest river in North America.

When Lewis & Clark encountered this area and met the Native American tribes who had long called it home, the expedition knew they had found a nationally significant treasure. It was a lifeline—a transportation route, a food source, and a cultural cornerstone for the people who lived along its banks.

Today, that legacy continues. The Missouri is still vital to agriculture, natural resources, recreation, and the Montana economy.

From its birthplace in southwest Montana, the Missouri flows north through Helena and Great Falls, before veering east at

Fort Benton and continuing through the plains. It gathers power from dozens of tributaries, including the mighty Yellowstone River just past the Montana–North Dakota border.

Eventually, after traveling 2,341 miles, it empties into the Mississippi River at St. Louis, Missouri.

Three Forks Confluence

The Missouri River’s Crown Jewel: Craig, Montana

While the Missouri River touches many states, it's a 35-mile stretch near Craig, Montana that has captured the hearts of fly anglers worldwide.

This section, from Holter Dam downstream to Cascade, has evolved into one of the finest trout rivers in the continental U.S. The reasons are clear:

This is a Trico Spinner Fall in July

Tailwater consistency: This stretch is a classic tailwater, fed by cold, steady flows that keep the river fishable nearly every day of the year. Even during spring runoff in May and June, when other rivers blow out, the Missouri holds strong. You might see higher flows and a little stain to the water, but the fishing doesn’t stop.
Wild trout abundance: The Missouri is one of the most productive wild trout rivers in the country. For over 45 years, fish counts have averaged more than 3,600 trout per mile—mostly Rainbows, with a solid showing of Browns. These aren’t stocked fish. Montana leaves its rivers alone, letting nature do the work. Every trout here was born in the river, raised
by current and instinct, and they fight like the third monkey on the ramp to Noah’s Ark - and it’s starting to rain.
Legendary hatches: Blue Wing Olives, Pale Morning Duns,
Tricos, and Caddis hatch in such numbers that it can feel biblical—thick clouds of insects and fish rising as far as you can see. These prolific hatches are what make the Missouri a dry fly paradise.
Public Access is another major win. With 11 boat ramps
and plenty of public access, anglers can spread out and enjoy a variety of floats. The Missouri has a strong drift boat culture, but it also offers plenty of walk-and-wade options for those who prefer to work a run.
Breathtaking scenery: Big Sky Country never disappoints. On
the Missouri, you’re surrounded by a patchwork of hayfields, cottonwood bottoms, rocky cliffs, and mountain views that seem to stretch forever. Every bend in the river brings something new to take in.
Remote but easily accessible. Craig, Montana sits at the heart of it all. It’s far enough off the main tourist trail to feel remote, but close enough to Bozeman, Big Sky, and Yellowstone that getting here is easy. It’s not a resort town—it’s a fishing town. When you pull into Craig, with rod racks on every truck and the river just steps away, you’ll know you’re in the right place.

The Missouri River’s Crown Jewel: Craig, Montana

Missouri River fly fishing by season — spring hatches to fall browns, discover the best time to fish with Montana Trout Hunters.

Spring (April–May)

Although the Missouri technically fishes twelve months a year, April is when things truly start to come alive. Water temperatures begin to climb, trout shake off the sluggishness of winter, and spring hatches kick into gear. That said, winter doesn’t give up easily in Montana—it often puts up a fight as late as June.

Early spring fishing is largely subsurface, with trout feeding on sowbugs, scuds, and midges. But as April transitions into May, Blue Wing Olives and the season’s first caddis hatches trigger trout to rise. These post-winter fish are eager and often more forgiving—ideal for anglers looking for dry fly action before the river gets crowded.

Spring is also spawning season for rainbow trout. While some spawn in the main river, most make their way into protected tributaries. It’s an exciting time to fish, but also one that calls for ethical angling. As always, we avoid targeting actively spawning fish or disturbing their redds.

The spring weather is unpredictable—60 degrees and sunny one day, snowing sideways the next. It’s a gamble, but one that often pays off in big fish, low pressure, and memorable days on the water.

Summer (June–August)

Summer is the peak of fly-fishing season on the Missouri River. It’s when most people plan their Montana fly fishing trips, and for good reason—the weather is stable, the hatches are dense, and the dry fly opportunities are world-class. June marks the start of prime time. The first half of the month can still be hit or miss in terms of weather, but the fishing is typically strong regardless. By the last week of June, everything aligns—consistent flows, reliable hatches, and trout looking up. It’s one of the best windows of the entire year to be on the Missouri.

By early July, Tricos begin their daily emergence, bringing about some of the most technical and rewarding dry fly fishing you’ll find anywhere. The first two weeks of July are widely regarded as some of the most dependable days of the year. This is also when terrestrial patterns begin to produce, with hoppers, ants and beetles joining the mix.

As July rolls on, the air gets hotter—sometimes pushing into triple digits—and water temps rise too. While mornings remain productive, the afternoons can slow, especially during extended heatwaves. On busy weekends around the 4th of July, recreational floaters often outnumber the fish, so early starts and local knowledge make a big difference.

August carries a reputation for being tough, but it’s not the full story. Yes, nymphing becomes more challenging due to warm water and heavy weed growth, especially for beginners. But experienced anglers willing to stalk rising fish and make the right casts often find some of the best dry fly fishing of the season. Around mid-August, a welcome cold snap typically breaks the heat, re-energizing both fish and anglers.

Fall (September–October)

Fall on the Missouri is about color, solitude, and big fish feeding aggressively before winter. The summer crowds thin as hunters head for the hills, and those who stay on the river are rewarded with crisp air and trout eager to eat.

September can be a mixed bag. Some years it’s lights-out fishing with cool days, steady flows, and active trout. Other years are more temperamental. But the scenery is always stunning, and it’s the best month to target pre-spawn brown trout—giant, orange-bellied fish migrating upstream to spawn in tributaries like the Little Prickly Pear.

October is often underrated. It can swing wildly between sunny and 70 degrees or frigid with snow. But the fishing? Consistent. As water temperatures drop, trout sense what’s coming and feed with urgency. Streamer fishing heats up, and pods of rising fish—sometimes 100 strong—will stay up for hours, ignoring poor drifts but rewarding precise casts again and again.

Fall Baetis hatches round out the season, offering a return to technical dry fly fishing in the final weeks before winter settles in. If you’re looking for fewer people, better odds at big fish, and a chance to throw meat or match the hatch, fall might just be your favorite time of year.

Winter (November–March)

The Missouri never fully shuts down, and winter can be surprisingly productive—especially the stretch below Holter Dam, which stays mostly ice-free for over 12 miles thanks to steady discharge temperatures.

This is the season for solitude. There are days when you might not see another angler. The trout are still there, and so are the insects—primarily midges and scuds. Nymphing remains steady, and on the right day, you’ll find heads rising in slow water to microscopic midges.

For anglers willing to layer up, winter fishing on the Missouri offers quiet beauty and hungry trout with zero pressure. It’s technical, it’s peaceful, and it’s about as far from the summer scene as you can get.

So, When Should You Come?

That depends on what kind of experience you’re after. If you dream of pods of rising fish and technical dry fly action, aim for July or October. If you want solitude and a better shot at large, aggressive browns, consider spring or fall. For beginners or those who want steady fishing and consistent weather, late June is hard to beat.

At Montana Trout Hunters, we build our trips around these seasonal nuances, giving you the best shot at success no matter when you come. Whether you're casting to sippers during the Trico hatch or stripping streamers through a snow squall, we’ll put you on the fish—and help you understand the "why" behind every take.

Insect Hatches

The Missouri River will amaze you with its aquatic insect hatches, average fish size, and an overall population of big rainbow trout and brown trout. Arguably, the Missouri River has no equal when it comes to consistently sight fishing dry flies for rising trout. The Missouri River is an insect factory, pumping out hatch after hatch throughout the seasons.

Midges and Blue-winged Olives will hatch from late March through May. Caddis will arrive in early May, leave in June and then come back in July and usually stay through the fall. There is rarely a day on the Missouri where we can’t get any trout to eat a caddis, even into late October.

The Pale Morning duns arrive in June and this hatch usually corresponds with the end of run-off. Tricos will appear sometime in early-July to mid-August, and this hatch is stunning in the millions and millions of bugs it produces – every day.

The terrestrial is usually in full swing by July 15, with grasshoppers, ants, and beetles getting gobbled up by big-eyed trout up and down the river. The fall Blue- winged Olive and October Caddis hatches round out the season, and usually send us into winter with a last blast. It is a true insect smorgasbord.

Best Areas of the River to Fish

Dam to Craig, Upper River: The highest concentration of fish and anglers to match.
Dearborn to Prewet, Canyon Section: The most picturesque with lots of fish.
Prewet to Cascade, Lower River: Heavy rapids to start, then wide and calm. This is where serious anglers go to get away.

Recommended Gear & Flies

Rod: 5–6 weight with long leaders (9-12 feet) for technical dry fly work

A typical July morning Trico hatch on the Missouri River

Experience Montana’s Most Iconic River

The Missouri River in Montana is more than a fly fishing destination—it’s part of our nation’s story. From its headwaters to the Mississippi, it has shaped landscapes, supported communities, and captured imaginations for centuries.

But it’s here, in the heart of Montana near Craig, where the Missouri truly shines for trout anglers. With its consistent flows, healthy fish populations, and legendary hatches, it delivers the kind of experience you’ll remember long after the last cast.

🎣 Book your Missouri River fly fishing trip with Montana Trout Hunters

And see for yourself why this river is considered the best in the Lower 48.

testimonials

What Our Clients Say After Fishing Montana’s Finest Waters

At Montana Trout Hunters, we guide unforgettable fly fishing trips on Montana’s best trout rivers—like the Missouri, Madison, and Gallatin. Whether you’re reeling in your first fish or your personal best, our expert guides provide a customized, professional experience designed to leave you with stories worth telling.

These testimonials come from real anglers who’ve trusted us to deliver more than just a day on the river—they came for Montana’s legendary trout fishing and left with lifelong memories.

Ready to Plan Your Trip? Let's Talk

PHONE: (406) 430-8123

I've fished with Darrel many times, and he consistently exceeds expectations. He's a skilled instructor, his preparation is meticulous, and he's just great company. You won't regret booking a trip with him.

— David Vanderpool

Darrel delivers more than just fish. His deep knowledge and tailored approach ensure you learn and catch plenty. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned angler, he'll help you maximize your day on the river. His professionalism and organization make every trip smooth and enjoyable. Highly recommended!

— Bill Noonan

Ever since I found Darrel, my fishing trips have been consistently amazing. He's hardworking, passionate, and knows how to find fish even on tough days. He's great with anglers of all levels and truly wants you to have an incredible experience. Plus, he's just a good guy! Highly recommend booking with him.

— Tom Layson

I've been on several guided trips, but Darrel's attention to detail and dedication to making each outing special sets him apart. He not only knows where to find the fish, but he also takes the time to teach you new techniques and tips. Every trip with him is an opportunity to learn something new and have a great time.

— Mark Thompson

Darrel is the real deal. His knowledge of the rivers and the fish is unmatched, and his passion for the sport is infectious. I’ve learned so much from him, and each trip has been more enjoyable than the last. If you’re looking for a great guide in Montana, Darrel is the one to call!

— Sarah Mitchell