Missouri River
Holter Dam to Cascade · Blue Ribbon Tailwater
Central Montana, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 06066500. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
At 3210 cfs, the Missouri is running below typical June levels but fishing beautifully with 55.8°F water holding strong PMD populations. House of Fly reports PMDs active for three weeks with BWOs still lingering and caddis building toward their peak emergence. The cooler pattern through Saturday (highs in the 60s-70s) should keep midday PMD emergence prime, though Sunday's wind may push fish subsurface. Focus PMD Sparkle Duns and Cripples during the 11am-2pm window when these mayflies lift off in the steady 55°F water.
- Flow: 3210 cfs — well below June's typical 5,000-10,000 range, providing excellent wading access and clear visibility for sight fishing
- Hatches: PMDs peaking midday (11am-2pm), BWOs waning, caddis building. Mercury Midges and sow bugs consistent subsurface options
- Water Temp: 55.8°F — ideal for sustained PMD emergence and active trout feeding throughout the thermal comfort zone
- Best Window: Thursday-Saturday before Sunday's 20mph winds. Target PMD emergence 11am-2pm, then switch to streamers if wind picks up
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Tailwater
- Best months: Year-round; peak hatches Mar–May & Aug–Oct
The Missouri below Holter Dam is arguably the most prolific tailwater in the United States. Cold, clear water from Canyon Ferry and Holter reservoirs creates ideal trout habitat — dense aquatic insect populations, extraordinary visibility, and fish densities that can exceed 5,000 trout per mile. The river is most famous for its technical midge and BWO fishing, but summer PMDs and caddis bring fish to the surface with abandon.
Fish density studies have recorded over 5,000 catchable trout per mile in some sections — among the highest of any western trout river.
January Outlook
One of the finest winter trout fisheries in North America. Consistent tailwater temps keep fish feeding on midges year-round.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- WD-40
- Mercury Midge
- Miracle Nymph
Tips
Midge hatch clusters 11am–3pm. Fish slow, glassy flats with fine tippet and small patterns. Size 22–26 is not extreme here. Look for subtle sipping rises.
Water Notes
3,000–5,000 cfs regulated. Water 38–44°F year-round. No anchor ice due to constant flow.
February Outlook
Midge activity increases as days lengthen. Occasional warm afternoon triggers BWO activity in the riffles.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Juju Baetis
- Vis-A-Dun #20
Tips
Watch for Baetis activity in afternoons. A dry-dropper approach covers both feeding levels. Fish the Craig to Cascade section.
Water Notes
3,500–5,000 cfs. Stable, cold, and clear year-round.
March Outlook
Transition month with midge and increasing BWO density. The spring hatch season begins. One of the best months for learning the Missouri's technical dry fly fishing.
Productive Patterns
- Sparkle Dun #18
- CDC BWO
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
Tips
BWO hatch becomes reliable — overcast days produce the most consistent emergence. Long leaders, fine tippet on the flat water downstream from Holter Dam.
Water Notes
4,000–6,000 cfs. Still cold but improving 42–50°F.
April Outlook
Excellent. BWO hatches intensify and the river comes alive after winter. The crowds haven't yet arrived. One of the best trout rivers on earth in April.
Productive Patterns
- Sparkle Dun #18
- CDC BWO
- RS2
- Soft Hackle Emerger
Tips
BWO emergence is the main event — overcast afternoons produce the best hatches. Fish move into riffles eagerly after winter. Time the afternoon hatch window — it can last 2–3 hours on good days.
Water Notes
4,500–7,000 cfs. Clear and cold. Prime tailwater conditions.
May Outlook
BWO fishing remains strong early in the month. PMDs begin appearing in late May and caddis pick up in the evenings. Reserve boat launches well in advance.
Productive Patterns
- CDC BWO
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Soft Hackle Caddis
- RS2
Tips
Early May is still BWO season — don't rush to PMD patterns. By late May, watch for the first PMD emergence in the riffles. Evening caddis hatch 7–9pm is a Missouri signature. Bank access is limited — a boat dramatically improves options.
Water Notes
5,000–8,000 cfs. Missouri handles runoff well due to dam regulation. Clarity remains good.
June Outlook
Peak PMD and Caddis month — the Missouri's dry fly season is in full swing. The busiest month on the river; book guides and campsites early.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- PMD Cripple
- Elk Hair Caddis
- X-Caddis
Tips
PMD emergence 10am–2pm is the main event. Evening caddis hatch can be explosive. Float Craig to Cascade for the best access to rising fish. Long leaders and 5x tippet.
Water Notes
5,000–10,000 cfs with potential runoff contribution from tributaries. Dam regulation keeps clarity good even at higher flows.
July Outlook
Trico spinner falls at dawn and Caddis evenings. The 'hatch machine' runs at full speed.
Productive Patterns
- Trico Spinner #20-22
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD Cripple
- Parachute Hopper
Tips
Trico falls begin at first light — be on the water by 7am. Flat water above Craig is most productive for Trico fishing. Switch to dry-dropper for midday.
Water Notes
4,000–7,000 cfs in summer regulation. Water 55–62°F year-round — tailwater advantage.
August Outlook
Comfortable and productive. Trico mornings, midday hopper-dropper, evening caddis — a full-day program. No summer heat stress like freestone rivers.
Productive Patterns
- Trico Spinner
- Parachute Hopper
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Ant #16
Tips
Trico fall is one of the Missouri's signature experiences. Switch to a hopper after 10am. Evening caddis can run until 9pm.
Water Notes
4,000–6,500 cfs. Tailwater temps stay 58–64°F regardless of air temperature.
September Outlook
Excellent with BWO hatches returning and Trico activity continuing. Reduced pressure after Labor Day.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Trico Spinner
- Mahogany Dun
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
Autumn BWO hatch reliable 1–4pm on overcast afternoons. Size 20 patterns standard. Fish flat water carefully — trout are visible and selective.
Water Notes
3,500–5,500 cfs. Consistent tailwater temps 55–62°F. No thermal concerns.
October Outlook
One of the Missouri's finest months. BWO hatches intensify, brown trout pre-spawn feeding, dramatically reduced pressure.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Streamer
- Mahogany Dun
- Copper John
Tips
October BWO hatch on a gray day is one of fly fishing's great experiences. Large fish rise in the flat water from Craig downstream. Streamers in early morning before the hatch starts.
Water Notes
3,000–5,000 cfs. Stable, cold, and very clear. Water 50–56°F.
November Outlook
Underappreciated late season. Midge activity consistent and BWO hatches can still occur. Very little competition.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Blue Winged Olive
- Juju Baetis
Tips
Target 11am–2pm window. Craig area access points are plowed and accessible. Good day feels like wearing a light jacket.
Water Notes
3,000–5,000 cfs year-round. Cold at 44–50°F but consistent.
December Outlook
Productive on the Missouri during mild stretches. One of the few year-round fisheries in Montana.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Mercury Midge
- WD-40
- RS2
Tips
Bundle up, fish 11am–2pm, focus on deep slow runs near Craig. On the right day, the midge hatch is genuinely impressive.
Water Notes
3,000–5,000 cfs. Cold but consistent 38–44°F. Ice on banks but main channel stays open.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midge Chironomidae |
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec | #20–26 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov | Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
| Skwala Stonefly Skwala americana |
Mar, Apr | Mar, Apr | #8–10 |
|
| March Brown Rhithrogena morrisoni |
May | Apr, May | #12–16 |
|
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella inermis |
Jun | May, Jun, Jul | #16–18 |
|
| Caddis Trichoptera spp. |
Jun, Jul | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | #14–16 |
|
| Trico Tricorythodes spp. |
Aug | Jul, Aug, Sep | #20–24 |
|
Access & Approach
Craig, MT is the hub. Dearborn, Spite Hill, and Craig accesses provide walk-in wade points. Drift boats dominate — boat ramp at Craig. Headhunters and Wolf Creek Angler are the go-to local fly shops.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Headhunters Fly Shop
- Wolf Creek Angler
- House of Fly
- Cross Currents Fly Shop
Regulations & License
Fishing in Montana requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Montana fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Missouri River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
Missouri River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
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