WORLD RENOWNED
Fly Fishing the Missouri River
The Missouri River below Holter Dam is world-renowned as a blue-ribbon trout fishery—and it just happens to flow past your doorstep. Known especially for its legendary dry fly fishing, this stretch of river offers prolific hatches, remarkably consistent flows, and trophy-sized trout that rise in slow motion.
missouri river
Scenery That Changes With the Current
The Missouri isn’t just a world-class fishery—it’s a journey through some of Montana’s most varied and captivating landscapes. As you float or drive along its banks, each section of river offers a new backdrop and a different kind of magic:
upper stretches
Mountain Valleys & Open Sky
Starting near Wolf Creek and Holter Dam, this stretch is framed by wide grassy meadows, big western skies, and pine-dotted slopes. It’s a peaceful and scenic section ideal for wading and observing steady pods of rising trout. The river here is broad and glassy, perfect for technical dry fly work.
middle stretches
Limestone Canyons
As the river bends through Craig and the Dearborn confluence, towering limestone cliffs rise above the banks, creating narrower channels, deeper seams, and incredible acoustics echoing bird calls and boat chatter. This is the heart of the Missouri fishery—easy access, productive riffles, and endless dry fly opportunities just minutes from town.
lower stretches
Rolling Plains & Braided Waters
As the Missouri flows toward the plains near Cascade and beyond, the terrain shifts to open farmland, cottonwood groves, and meandering side channels. This section feels more remote, offering solitude, sweeping views, and a broader range of water types—from slow tailouts to aggressive bank lines. It’s ideal for adventurous floaters and those looking for a quieter drift.
Missouri river hatch chart
When and What Trout Are Eating on the Missouri
The Missouri River is home to a wide range of aquatic insect hatches throughout the year. While anglers may occasionally encounter Brown Drakes, Yellow Sallies, or a burst of March Browns, the chart below highlights the mainstay hatches that consistently drive dry fly action. These patterns form the core of most anglers’ success on the river—season after season.
boat launches
Missouri River Float Map
The Missouri River offers over 30 miles of fishable water between Holter Dam and Cascade, divided into several popular float sections. Most floats range from 6 to 12 miles and take 4 to 8 hours, depending on conditions and how often you stop to fish.
From the upper Wolf Creek to Craig stretch, known for gentle flows and rising trout, to the scenic Craig to Mid-Canon and Pelican to Cascade sections, each float offers a unique combination of productive water and incredible scenery.
Fishcamp is ideally situated to access multiple launch and takeout points within minutes—making it the perfect base for both guided and DIY floats.
GUIDED FISHING
Guided Fly Fishing with Local Experts
For those looking to make the most of their time on the water, we recommend booking a guided trip through our trusted local partner, The Trout Shop in Craig. Their experienced guides know every bend and back eddy of the Missouri, offering insight, instruction, and access to some of the river’s most productive water. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or brand new to fly fishing, a day on the boat with a local guide is one of the best ways to experience what makes this river truly special.