Craig, Montana

Missouri River Hatch Report

Updated Apr 24, 2026, 7:27 AM MDT

Think small and clean: midges, BWOs, and sowbugs are the deal, with technical nymphing early and more dry-fly potential when the light softens.

Current Conditions
  • Flow: Tailwater flows are usually stable enough to keep fish in predictable buckets, shelves, and seams.
  • Water Temperature: Cold but steady tailwater temperatures keep fish active even when the weather swings.
  • Weather: Cloud cover usually improves olive activity. Bright calm afternoons can make fish visibly selective.
  • Overall Rating: 8/10
Today's Read

Missouri River is keyed to the bugs that are active in the current light and water conditions. These are the insects that matter right now and the windows when they matter most.

Current Hatch Report
  • Midges, size 18-22, morning and low-light periods
  • Blue-winged olives, size 18-20, midday through afternoon
  • Sowbug and scud food base, size 14-18, all day subsurface
Flies To Match The Hatch
  • Tailwater Sowbug, size 14-18, nymph
  • Zebra Midge black or red, size 18-20, nymph
  • Split Back BWO, size 18-20, nymph
  • RS2 gray or olive, size 18-22, emerger
  • CDC BWO Dun, size 18-20, dry
How Fish Respond To This Hatch
  • Missouri trout feed often, but they inspect everything. In late April the river usually fishes best with small nymphs, emergers, and careful dry-fly presentations wherever midges or olives gather in slick water. Fish hold on broad shelves and moderate seams, and the best dry-fly fish often slide up only when the bugs get concentrated enough to make the surface worthwhile.
  • Start with a long, light indicator setup and enough split shot to keep small bugs in the lower third of the column.