Missouri River, Montana
Missouri River near Craig Fishing Report: May 19, 2026
Missouri River near Craig is in a useful fishing window today.
- Status
- good
- Flow trend
- stable
- Best window
- Late morning into evening
- Best methods
- nymphs, dry flies, streamers
Quick Summary
Missouri River near Craig is in a useful fishing window today. USGS showed 3,280 cfs and 2.32 feet at 5:45 AM, with the flow trend stable. Water temperature was 52 F. Start with nymphs, then adjust to dry flies or streamers if fish begin feeding higher in the column.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good |
| Flow | 3,280 cfs at 5:45 AM |
| Gauge Height | 2.32 feet |
| Water Temp | 52 F |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Stable |
| Best Window | Late morning into evening |
| Best Method | nymphs; dry flies; streamers |
| Wadeability | Good |
Weather
For Craig, MT, the National Weather Service forecast says: Today: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. 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, current public report context where available, and today’s official gauge/weather check.
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive | 18-22 | Watch slow inside seams under clouds |
| Midge | 20-24 | Important in slicks and tailouts |
| Caddis | 14-18 | Carry for afternoon or evening edges |
| Sowbug/Scud | 14-18 | Steady subsurface food source |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | BWO Comparadun | 18-22 | Use with long leaders over risers |
| Dry | Midge Cluster | 20-24 | For slick-water fish |
| Nymph | Tailwater Sowbug | 14-18 | Primary nymph option |
| Nymph | Zebra Midge | 18-22 | Trail behind sowbug |
| Streamer | Sparkle Minnow | 4-8 | Banks and low-light lanes |
Tactics
Start with nymphs in defined lanes and adjust weight, depth, 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 | 3,280 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.