Missouri River, Montana
Missouri River Craig Fishing Report: May 17, 2026
Missouri River Craig is in a useful fishing window today.
- Status
- good
- Flow trend
- stable
- Best window
- Late afternoon into evening
- Best methods
- nymphs, dry flies
Quick Summary
Missouri River Craig is in a useful fishing window today. USGS showed 3,330 cfs and 2.35 feet at 7:45 AM, with the flow trend stable. Water temperature was 52 F. Start subsurface, then watch for late-day mayfly, caddis, or midge activity where the water settles. Wade conservatively and avoid pushy crossings; softer edges and boat or bank access are safer than mid-channel moves.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good |
| Flow | 3,330 cfs at 7:45 AM |
| Gauge Height | 2.35 feet |
| Water Temp | 52 F |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Stable |
| Best Window | Late afternoon into evening |
| Best Method | nymphs; dry flies |
| Wadeability | Limited |
Weather
For Craig, MT, the National Weather Service forecast says: Today: Snow before 9am, then rain and snow likely between 9am and noon, then a slight chance of thunderstorms and rain and snow showers likely between noon and 4pm, then a slight chance of thunderstorms and a chance of rain and snow showers. Cloudy. High near 45, with temperatures falling to around 41 in the afternoon. North northwest wind 3 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible. Plan around wind, changing light, and any showers or storms rather than assuming a full-day dry fly window.
River Notes
The best starting point is water that matches the current gauge: inside seams, protected banks, riffle drop-offs, and slower buckets rather than the heaviest current. A stable trend is worth watching through the day; if the hydrograph turns sharply upward, clarity and wade safety can change before hatch timing does. Missing field values are left as Not reported rather than filled from guesswork.
Hatch Activity
Current hatch guidance is based on seasonal May patterns for this river system, recent public report context where available, and today’s official gauge/weather check.
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive | 18-22 | Cloud-cover dry fly chance |
| Midges | 18-24 | Tailwater staple |
| Caddis | 14-18 | Edges and evening windows |
| Sowbugs/scuds | 14-18 | Reliable subsurface food |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nymph | Pink sowbug | 14-18 | Tailwater staple |
| Nymph | Pheasant Tail | 16-20 | Mayfly dropper |
| Dry | BWO Comparadun | 18-22 | Use on pods |
| Dry | Midge cluster | 18-22 | Soft slicks |
| Streamer | Leech | 6-10 | Low-light banks |
Tactics
Start with nymphs in defined lanes and adjust weight before changing flies. If fish begin rising, simplify to a single dry or dry with an emerger/dropper and lengthen the leader. In bright or windy periods, return to subsurface presentations along protected banks and broken water.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri River bl Holter Dam nr Wolf Cr MT | 3,330 cfs | 52 F | USGS 06066500 |
Sources
Official sources checked: USGS station 06066500 and the National Weather Service forecast for the Craig, MT area. This report is an original Custom FlyBox summary based on current official gauge and weather data, with local public conditions reports reviewed separately for hatch, access, and method context.