How To Fish It
- Use a long leader and a mend-free drift to match the steady tailwater current.
- Use Indicator Nymphing Rig.
- Favor Weighted beads, thin profiles, realistic wingcases.
Bugs & Best Matches
What's active
Fish this
Midges, size 18-22, Midday (10:00 AM–2:00 PM)
Zebra Midge, size 18-22, nymph; Juju Midge, size 18-22; Top Secret Midge, size 18-22
BWOs, size 16-20, Midday (10:00 AM–2:00 PM)
Pheasant Tail, size 16-20, nymph; Spandex BWO, size 16-20; Micro Mayfly, size 16-20
Scuds, size 16-18, Morning (6:00 AM–10:00 AM)
Ray Charles, size 16-18; Olive Scud, size 16-18; Tailwater Scud, size 16-18
Caddis, size 16-18, Midday (10:00 AM–2:00 PM)
No matching fly supplied
Terrestrials, size 14-16, Afternoon (2:00 PM–6:00 PM)
No matching fly supplied
Current Conditions
Flow2,870 cfs and steady
Water Temp51°F
WeatherOvercast
Rating8/10 · Good
Today's Feeding Pattern
Stable tailwater flows and overcast skies create reliable subsurface opportunities on the Missouri River. Focus your efforts on deep runs where trout feed on midges and small mayfly nymphs.
Forecast Location
Related Rivers
Read the conditions: USGS flow charts, trout water temperature, and the seasonal hatch reference.
About The Missouri River
The Missouri below Holter Dam is a classic Montana tailwater centered around Craig, with long flats, consistent bug life, and heavy trout numbers. It is one of the state's most dependable technical fisheries because stable flows and fertile water keep fish feeding across a long season.
Rainbow and brown trout dominate the catch. The river is especially well known for midge and baetis fishing, both under an indicator and on the surface when conditions line up.