Fly fishing · MT · Great Falls / Holter · Tailwater

Missouri River: hatch chart + live conditions

Famous tailwater below Holter Dam near Craig. Midge and BWO hatches year-round; PMD and trico dominate summer. Massive rainbows in clear, slow water that demands precise presentations.

Current conditions: Checking USGS… USGS site 06054500

Top 3 dry flies for July

1
Elk Hair Caddis fly pattern
Size 12-16 · dry
Matches active hatch: caddis.
2
Stimulator fly pattern
Size 10-14 · dry
Matches active hatch: caddis.
3
Trico Spinner fly pattern
Size 20-24 · dry
Matches active hatch: trico.

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12-month hatch chart

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Frequently asked

What are the best months to fish the Missouri River?

Best months: April, May, June, July, August, September, October.

What flies hatch on the Missouri River in July?

Active hatches this month: pale morning dun, caddis, trico, terrestrial.

What species are in the Missouri River?

Primary: rainbow trout, brown trout. Famous tailwater below Holter Dam near Craig. Midge and BWO hatches year-round; PMD and trico dominate summer. Massive rainbows in clear, slow water that demands precise presentations.

Are there special fishing regulations on the Missouri River?

No special-regulation section is listed here, so standard Montana trout regulations apply. Check MT FWP before fishing.

How do I check live water conditions on the Missouri River?

The live USGS reading is shown at the top of this page (site 06054500). It refreshes hourly.

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