Missouri River, Montana
Missouri River near Craig Fishing Report: May 18, 2026
Missouri River near Craig is in a useful fishing window today.
- Status
- good
- Flow trend
- stable
- Best window
- Late afternoon into evening
- Best methods
- nymphs, dry flies, streamers
Quick Summary
Missouri River near Craig is in a useful fishing window today. USGS showed 3,250 cfs and 2.30 feet at 7:45 AM, with the flow trend stable. Water temperature was 50 F. Start with nymphs, then watch for late-day mayfly, caddis, or midge activity where the water settles.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good |
| Flow | 3,250 cfs at 7:45 AM |
| Gauge Height | 2.30 feet |
| Water Temp | 50 F |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Stable |
| Best Window | Late afternoon into evening |
| Best Method | nymphs; dry flies; streamers |
| Wadeability | Good |
Weather
For Craig, MT, the National Weather Service forecast says: Today: Areas of fog before 9am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. East northeast wind 2 to 6 mph. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Midge | 20-24 | Morning and flat-water option |
| Blue Winged Olive | 18-22 | Cloud cover helps |
| Caddis | 14-18 | Carry pupa and adults |
| Scud/sowbug | 14-18 | Consistent subsurface food |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | Griffith's Gnat | 20-24 | Use over steady risers |
| Dry | BWO Sparkle Dun | 18-22 | Match small olives in softer seams |
| Nymph | Pheasant Tail | 14-18 | Mayfly nymph before hatches |
| Nymph | Caddis Pupa | 14-18 | Swing or dead drift before activity |
| Nymph | Scud or Sowbug | 14-18 | Tailwater staple in slower lanes |
| Streamer | Olive Sculpin | 4-8 | Use on banks if water has color or light is low |
Tactics
Start with nymphs in defined lanes and adjust weight or leader length 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. Re-check the gauge before wading new crossings, especially if the trend changes from stable or falling to rising.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri River bl Holter Dam nr Wolf Cr MT | 3,250 cfs | 50 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.