Missouri River

Type: Tailwater, Montana (West)
Designation: Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey) · Special-regulation trout water
USGS gauges: 1 live
Guides: 30 name it
Shops: 5 nearby

Today on the Missouri River

Caution: Low water: low release for the date

Flow now: 2,720 ft³/s
Vs normal for Nov 5: Much below normal
Water temp: 50°F (10°C)
Trend: Steady over 24 h
Last reading: Nov 5, 3:45 PM MST

At Missouri River bl Holter Dam nr Wolf Cr MT (USGS 06066500) Provisional USGS data

The Missouri River is a tailwater in Montana, listed as Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey) by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

More about the Missouri River

1 USGS gauge on the water reports flow. 30 guides and 5 shops nearby are listed here; the nearest destination hub is Craig & the Missouri.

Updated 5 Nov 2026 · Sources: Montana's most-fished waters (FWP statewide angling pressure estimates, 2023 license year, top 250 by state rank), USGS Water Data

The Missouri River near Craig spreading around grassy islands below rolling hills, with a drift boat on the water — Photo credit
The Missouri River by the Craig Frontage Road, north of Helena (1991). Photo: Lankyrider, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Where it is

Missouri River is a tailwater in Montana. Our destination hub Craig & the Missouri is 6 mi away in a straight line and lists it among its waters. The page covers the Missouri below Holter Dam, where the gauge is.

Flow now at the gauge

Missouri River bl Holter Dam nr Wolf Cr MT

USGS 06066500

Caution: Low water: low release for the date

Flow 2,720 ft³/s: much below normal (under the 10th percentile) for Nov 5, over 81 years of USGS record. U.S. Geological Survey
If you're fishing for trout here: 50°F now, 50.2°F at most in 24 hours: under Montana FWP's 68°F line. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Cold water, 50°F. NWS: cold shock is dangerous at 50-60°F and colder; “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.” National Weather Service

General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.

Discharge: 2,720 ft³/s
Gauge height: 2.88 ft
Water temp: 50°F (10°C)

Reading Nov 5, 3:45 PM MST · provisional USGS data

Much below normal for Nov 5 Steady · 24 h

Discharge · last 7 days

Discharge, about hourly
Latest: 2,720 ft³/s at Nov 5, 3:45 PM MST

USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS Water Data API continuous values.

View data as a table

Discharge, last 7 days: readings, about hourly, newest first. USGS provisional data may be revised. Missing hours or days are not filled in.
Time	Discharge (ft³/s)	Gauge height (ft)	Water temp (°F)
Nov 5, 3:45 PM MST	2,720	2.88	50
Nov 5, 2:45 PM MST	2,730	2.89	50
Nov 5, 1:45 PM MST	2,730	2.89	50
Nov 5, 12:45 PM MST	2,750	2.9	50
Nov 5, 11:45 AM MST	2,730	2.89	50
Nov 5, 10:45 AM MST	2,750	2.9	49.8
Nov 5, 9:45 AM MST	2,750	2.9	49.8
Nov 5, 8:45 AM MST	2,730	2.89	49.6
Nov 5, 7:45 AM MST	2,720	2.88	49.6
Nov 5, 6:45 AM MST	2,690	2.86	49.6
Nov 5, 5:45 AM MST	2,670	2.85	49.6
Nov 5, 4:45 AM MST	2,660	2.84	49.8
Nov 5, 3:45 AM MST	2,660	2.84	49.8
Nov 5, 2:45 AM MST	2,670	2.85	50
Nov 5, 1:45 AM MST	2,660	2.84	50
Nov 5, 12:45 AM MST	2,670	2.85	50
Nov 4, 11:45 PM MST	2,670	2.85	50
Nov 4, 10:45 PM MST	2,670	2.85	49.8
Nov 4, 9:45 PM MST	2,670	2.85	50
Nov 4, 8:45 PM MST	2,660	2.84	50
Nov 4, 7:45 PM MST	2,670	2.85	50
Nov 4, 6:45 PM MST	2,690	2.86	50
Nov 4, 5:45 PM MST	2,690	2.86	50
Nov 4, 4:45 PM MST	2,690	2.86	50.2
Nov 4, 3:45 PM MST	2,690	2.86	50.2
Nov 4, 2:45 PM MST	2,670	2.85	50.2
Nov 4, 1:45 PM MST	2,670	2.85	50.4
Nov 4, 12:45 PM MST	2,660	2.84	50.4
Nov 4, 11:45 AM MST	2,580	2.79	50.4
Nov 4, 10:45 AM MST	2,570	2.78	50.2
Nov 4, 9:45 AM MST	2,630	2.82	50.2
Nov 4, 8:45 AM MST	2,750	2.9	50
Nov 4, 7:45 AM MST	2,800	2.93	49.8
Nov 4, 6:45 AM MST	2,800	2.93	49.8
Nov 4, 5:45 AM MST	2,800	2.93	49.8
Nov 4, 4:45 AM MST	2,800	2.93	50
Nov 4, 3:45 AM MST	2,780	2.92	50
Nov 4, 2:45 AM MST	2,780	2.92	50
Nov 4, 1:45 AM MST	2,780	2.92	50
Nov 4, 12:45 AM MST	2,780	2.92	50
Nov 3, 11:45 PM MST	2,780	2.92	50
Nov 3, 10:45 PM MST	2,780	2.92	50
Nov 3, 9:45 PM MST	2,780	2.92	50.2
Nov 3, 8:45 PM MST	2,800	2.93	50.2
Nov 3, 7:45 PM MST	2,800	2.93	50.2
Nov 3, 6:45 PM MST	2,800	2.93	50.2
Nov 3, 5:45 PM MST	2,800	2.93	50.2
Nov 3, 4:45 PM MST	2,810	2.94	50.2
Nov 3, 3:45 PM MST	2,800	2.93	50.4
Nov 3, 2:45 PM MST	2,730	2.89	50.4
Nov 3, 1:45 PM MST	2,810	2.94	50.5
Nov 3, 12:45 PM MST	2,830	2.95	50.5
Nov 3, 11:45 AM MST	2,830	2.95	50.5
Nov 3, 10:45 AM MST	2,830	2.95	50.4
Nov 3, 9:45 AM MST	2,830	2.95	50.2
Nov 3, 8:45 AM MST	2,810	2.94	50.2
Nov 3, 7:45 AM MST	2,830	2.95	50
Nov 3, 6:45 AM MST	2,840	2.96	49.8
Nov 3, 5:45 AM MST	2,830	2.95	50
Nov 3, 4:45 AM MST	2,830	2.95	50
Nov 3, 3:45 AM MST	2,830	2.95	50
Nov 3, 2:45 AM MST	2,840	2.96	50
Nov 3, 1:45 AM MST	2,840	2.96	50
Nov 3, 12:45 AM MST	2,840	2.96	50.2
Nov 2, 11:45 PM MST	2,840	2.96	50.2
Nov 2, 10:45 PM MST	2,840	2.96	50.2
Nov 2, 9:45 PM MST	2,840	2.96	50.4
Nov 2, 8:45 PM MST	2,840	2.96	50.4
Nov 2, 7:45 PM MST	2,840	2.96	50.4
Nov 2, 6:45 PM MST	2,840	2.96	50.4
Nov 2, 5:45 PM MST	2,840	2.96	50.4
Nov 2, 4:45 PM MST	2,840	2.96	50.5
Nov 2, 3:45 PM MST	2,830	2.95	50.7
Nov 2, 2:45 PM MST	2,840	2.96	50.9
Nov 2, 1:45 PM MST	2,840	2.96	50.9
Nov 2, 12:45 PM MST	2,840	2.96	50.9
Nov 2, 11:45 AM MST	2,860	2.97	50.9
Nov 2, 10:45 AM MST	2,840	2.96	50.7
Nov 2, 9:45 AM MST	2,840	2.96	50.7
Nov 2, 8:45 AM MST	2,840	2.96	50.5
Nov 2, 7:45 AM MST	2,860	2.97	50.5
Nov 2, 6:45 AM MST	2,860	2.97	50.5
Nov 2, 5:45 AM MST	2,860	2.97	50.5
Nov 2, 4:45 AM MST	2,860	2.97	50.5
Nov 2, 3:45 AM MST	2,840	2.96	50.5
Nov 2, 2:45 AM MST	2,840	2.96	50.5
Nov 2, 1:45 AM MST	2,840	2.96	50.5
Nov 2, 12:45 AM MST	2,860	2.97	50.5
Nov 1, 11:45 PM MST	2,860	2.97	50.5
Nov 1, 10:45 PM MST	2,860	2.97	50.5
Nov 1, 9:45 PM MST	2,860	2.97	50.5
Nov 1, 8:45 PM MST	2,860	2.97	50.5
Nov 1, 7:45 PM MST	2,860	2.97	50.5
Nov 1, 6:45 PM MST	2,870	2.98	50.5
Nov 1, 5:45 PM MST	2,870	2.98	50.5
Nov 1, 4:45 PM MST	2,870	2.98	50.7
Nov 1, 3:45 PM MST	2,860	2.97	50.7
Nov 1, 2:45 PM MST	2,860	2.97	50.7
Nov 1, 1:45 PM MST	2,860	2.97	50.7
Nov 1, 12:45 PM MST	2,860	2.97	50.7
Nov 1, 11:45 AM MST	2,840	2.96	50.7
Nov 1, 10:45 AM MST	2,830	2.95	50.7
Nov 1, 9:45 AM MST	2,780	2.92	50.7
Nov 1, 8:45 AM MST	2,770	2.91	50.7
Nov 1, 7:45 AM MST	2,780	2.92	50.7
Nov 1, 6:45 AM MST	2,770	2.91	50.7
Nov 1, 5:45 AM MST	2,770	2.91	50.7
Nov 1, 4:45 AM MST	2,770	2.91	50.7
Nov 1, 3:45 AM MST	2,750	2.9	50.7
Nov 1, 2:45 AM MST	2,750	2.9	50.7
Nov 1, 1:45 AM MST	2,750	2.9	50.7
Nov 1, 1:45 AM MDT	2,750	2.9	50.7
Nov 1, 12:45 AM MDT	2,750	2.9	50.7
Oct 31, 11:45 PM MDT	2,750	2.9	50.7
Oct 31, 10:45 PM MDT	2,750	2.9	50.7
Oct 31, 9:45 PM MDT	2,750	2.9	50.7
Oct 31, 8:45 PM MDT	2,770	2.91	50.7
Oct 31, 7:45 PM MDT	2,750	2.9	50.9
Oct 31, 6:45 PM MDT	2,750	2.9	50.9
Oct 31, 5:45 PM MDT	2,730	2.89	50.9
Oct 31, 4:45 PM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 31, 3:45 PM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 31, 2:45 PM MDT	2,700	2.87	50.9
Oct 31, 1:45 PM MDT	2,690	2.86	51.1
Oct 31, 12:45 PM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 31, 11:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 31, 10:45 AM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 31, 9:45 AM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 31, 8:45 AM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 31, 7:45 AM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.7
Oct 31, 6:45 AM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 31, 5:45 AM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 31, 4:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	50.9
Oct 31, 3:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	50.9
Oct 31, 2:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	50.9
Oct 31, 1:45 AM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 31, 12:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	50.9
Oct 30, 11:45 PM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 30, 10:45 PM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 30, 9:45 PM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 30, 8:45 PM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 30, 7:45 PM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 30, 6:45 PM MDT	2,730	2.89	50.9
Oct 30, 5:45 PM MDT	2,730	2.89	51.1
Oct 30, 4:45 PM MDT	2,720	2.88	51.1
Oct 30, 3:45 PM MDT	2,730	2.89	51.1
Oct 30, 2:45 PM MDT	2,730	2.89	51.3
Oct 30, 1:45 PM MDT	2,730	2.89	51.1
Oct 30, 12:45 PM MDT	2,730	2.89	51.1
Oct 30, 11:45 AM MDT	2,720	2.88	51.1
Oct 30, 10:45 AM MDT	2,720	2.88	51.1
Oct 30, 9:45 AM MDT	2,720	2.88	51.1
Oct 30, 8:45 AM MDT	2,720	2.88	51.1
Oct 30, 7:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 30, 6:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 30, 5:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 30, 4:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 30, 3:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 30, 2:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 30, 1:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 30, 12:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 29, 11:45 PM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 29, 10:45 PM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 29, 9:45 PM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 29, 8:45 PM MDT	2,720	2.88	51.1
Oct 29, 7:45 PM MDT	2,720	2.88	51.1
Oct 29, 6:45 PM MDT	2,720	2.88	51.1
Oct 29, 5:45 PM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.3
Oct 29, 5:15 PM MDT	2,690	2.86	51.3

What this level means general guidance

Normal for Nov 5: 3,460–5,185 ft³/s (middle half of 81 years of record). Now: 2,720 ft³/s, much below normal.

Much below normal for this date. 2,720 ft³/s is below the 10th percentile of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 81 years of record: 10th 3,084, 25th 3,460, median 4,510, 75th 5,185, 90th 5,758 ft³/s.

Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 2,500 ft³/s, highest 10,400 ft³/s.

Classes as USGS labels them (hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) ); percentiles from the USGS daily statistics (U.S. Geological Survey) (approved daily means; the reading is provisional and instantaneous).

Steady over 24 hours (+1.1% discharge). Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.

The National Weather Service did not answer just now, so no official flood category is shown.

Conditions for fishing general guidance

Water temperature for trout, salmon and steelhead

Under Montana FWP's 68°F line. Water 50°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 50.2°F. Montana FWP cites a study in which trout “caught and released from water with a temperature above 68 degrees F were far more likely to perish than those taken from cooler water.” Water warms through the day: “Fish in the cool morning hours.”
“Giving a hoot”, Montana Outdoors (July–August 2024) (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks) Drought and fishing (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks)

Species

This gauge is on our page for Missouri River, but no agency page we read lists its species.

Safety

Cold water. Water 50°F. NWS: “Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) as it is from water at 35°F (2°C).” “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.”
Cold Water Hazards and Safety (National Weather Service)
Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)

Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.

Open the USGS gauge page

Checked Nov 5, 4:09 PM MST; readings refresh at most every 15 minutes and statistics daily. Provisional USGS data can be revised. Conditions change: re-check before you go. This is general guidance, not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access.

Reading the gauges…

Check any river's flow

Follow Missouri River for flow alerts

Pick one of its USGS gauges and hear from us when the flow moves into or out of its usual range for the date, or crosses a flow you set. We check the public USGS reading every 2 hours and email only when it crosses, at most once every 6 hours. Flow alone is not a fishing forecast or a safety call.

Follow this water

Signed in: one step. Otherwise we email a confirmation link first. Every alert has one-click links to stop it.

Where to fish

Start from the agency's public access map. Nothing on this page grants or implies access: check the agency map, posted signs and landowner permission before you fish.

Nothing on this page grants or implies access.

Montana FWP fishing access sites

Missouri River on the map

Gauges, shops and guides within 40 miles

Restrooms Access map

Map of Missouri River with 1 USGS gauge, and shops and guides with an exact address within 40 miles.

Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles

Restrooms near Missouri River

Restrooms within 2 miles of Missouri River in a straight line, nearest first, with what anglers found when they went. The map says a restroom is there, not whether it is clean or open today.

Skip the map; every place is in the list below

Map of 4 restrooms near Missouri River, numbered as in the list, with the water’s point marked.

Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles

Restroom
under 0.1 mi away in a straight line
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Directions
We don't know yet: is it clean? · flush or vault? · free? · open to everyone? · step-free? — tell other anglers: show the questions
- Is it clean?
- Flush or vault?
- Free?
- Open to everyone?
- Step-free?
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Restroom
under 0.1 mi away in a straight line
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Directions
We don't know yet: is it clean? · flush or vault? · free? · open to everyone? · step-free? — tell other anglers: show the questions
- Is it clean?
- Flush or vault?
- Free?
- Open to everyone?
- Step-free?
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Restroom at a boat ramp
under 0.1 mi away in a straight line
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Directions
We don't know yet: is it clean? · flush or vault? · free? · open to everyone? · step-free? — tell other anglers: show the questions
- Is it clean?
- Flush or vault?
- Free?
- Open to everyone?
- Step-free?
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Restroom
1.8 mi away in a straight line
- Vault or pit toilet (mapped)
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Directions
We don't know yet: is it clean? · free? · open to everyone? · step-free? — tell other anglers: show the questions
- Is it clean?
- Free?
- Open to everyone?
- Step-free?
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map

Restroom locations and map details: © OpenStreetMap contributors, Open Database License, read Oct 24, 2026. Ratings, answers and photos are members' own; who shared them is never shown, and every photo is reviewed before it appears. Visits older than 18 months no longer count. Distances are straight-line miles, not driving. Nothing here grants access to private land. Community guidelines.

More water near Missouri River

Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Little Prickly Pear Creek
Photo credit
The Smith River canyon in early-season snow (US Forest Service work trip, 2010). Photo: USDA Forest Service, Northern Region, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Not Little Prickly Pear Creek.
Little Prickly Pear Creek
Montana · about 3 mi
65.3cfsFlow now · above normal for the date
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Holter Reservoir
Photo credit
Ennis Lake, Montana, in March, with the Madison Range beyond. Photo: Gloria Cabada-Leman, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr Not Holter Reservoir.
Holter Reservoir
Montana · about 4 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Dearborn River
Photo credit
The lower Blackfoot River east of Missoula. Photo: Bureau of Land Management, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Not Dearborn River.
Dearborn River
Montana · about 15 mi
84.6cfsFlow now · normal for the date
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Lake Helena
Photo credit
Henrys Lake from Henrys Lake State Park, Idaho. Photo: James Postema, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Lake Helena.
Lake Helena
Montana · about 21 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Hauser Lake
Photo credit
Lake Billy Chinook, Oregon. Photo: icetsarina, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Hauser Lake.
Hauser Lake
Montana · about 24 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir
Photo credit
Eagle Lake, Lassen County, California, with dry Horse Lake in the foreground (aerial). Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir.
Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir
Montana · about 25 mi

Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Little Prickly Pear Creek
Photo credit
The Smith River canyon in early-season snow (US Forest Service work trip, 2010). Photo: USDA Forest Service, Northern Region, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Not Little Prickly Pear Creek.
Little Prickly Pear Creek
Montana · about 3 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Holter Reservoir
Photo credit
Ennis Lake, Montana, in March, with the Madison Range beyond. Photo: Gloria Cabada-Leman, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr Not Holter Reservoir.
Holter Reservoir
Montana · about 4 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Dearborn River
Photo credit
The lower Blackfoot River east of Missoula. Photo: Bureau of Land Management, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Not Dearborn River.
Dearborn River
Montana · about 15 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Lake Helena
Photo credit
Henrys Lake from Henrys Lake State Park, Idaho. Photo: James Postema, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Lake Helena.
Lake Helena
Montana · about 21 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Hauser Lake
Photo credit
Lake Billy Chinook, Oregon. Photo: icetsarina, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Hauser Lake.
Hauser Lake
Montana · about 24 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir
Photo credit
Eagle Lake, Lassen County, California, with dry Horse Lake in the foreground (aerial). Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir.
Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir
Montana · about 25 mi

Regulations

Seasons, limits, special regulations and closures for each reach are on the agency pages below. Read them before you go.

2 official designations

Each comes from the agency's own published list; where the list names a reach it is quoted. A designation applies to the listed reach, not necessarily the whole water. Listed in the finder under trout.

Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)
On the Montana's most-fished waters (FWP statewide angling pressure estimates, 2023 license year, top 250 by state rank) list (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, read 2026-11-05). All waters with this designation
- Section 09: state rank 1, 189,023 angler days (2023)
- Section 10a: state rank 17, 52,408 angler days (2023)
- Section 08: state rank 35, 25,014 angler days (2023)
Special-regulation trout water
On the District Exceptions to Standard Regulations (trout / gear rules) list (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, read 2026-11-05). All waters with this designation

Public land along it

Areas the Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US), public access (U.S. Geological Survey, Gap Analysis Project, read 2026-11-05) lists as owned or held in easement and open to the public, crossed by the mapped channel. Boundaries are mapped, not surveyed. Nothing on this page grants or implies access: check the agency map, posted signs and landowner permission before you fish.

Lewis And Clark Recreation AreaArmy Corps of Engineers
Francis Case Recreation AreaArmy Corps of Engineers
Desoto National Wildlife RefugeU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · restricted
Gifford Wildlife Management AreaState Fish and Wildlife · restricted
Tysons BendArmy Corps of Engineers
Bullard-Soldiers BendArmy Corps of Engineers
Upper Decatur Bend Wildlife Management AreaState Department of Natural Resources
Gifford Wildlife Management AreaState Fish and Wildlife

+6 smaller areas

Nothing on this page grants or implies access.

Guides and shops near Missouri River

Listings marked Unclaimed are built from open map records and the business's own website: confirm licensing, rates, dates and hours directly.

30 guides name it on their website

Guides

Buglife Flyfishing
Wolf Creek, MT · 6 mi
Float trips · Wade trips · Yellowstone & Blackfoot
- Unclaimed
Names this water
View guide
MM
Madden's Missouri River Fly Fishing Guides
Craig, MT · 6 mi
Float trips · Drift boat · Missouri River
- Unclaimed
Names this water
View guide
Agee Outfitting
Helena, MT · 28 mi
Saltwater & ocean charters · Beginners & lessons · Missouri & Holter Lake
- Unclaimed
Names this water
View guide
Living Water Guide Service and Outfitting
East Helena, MT · 30 mi
Float trips · Walk-and-wade · Missouri & Dearborn
- Unclaimed
Names this water
View guide
John Perry's Montana Fly Fishing
Clinton, MT · 81 mi
Beginners & lessons · Blackfoot & Clark Fork
- Unclaimed
Names this water
View guide
Clear Creek Outfitters
Missoula, MT · 93 mi
Beginners & lessons · Blackfoot & Clark Fork
- Unclaimed
Names this water
View guide
Montana Troutwranglers
Belgrade, MT · 93 mi
Float trips · Walk-and-wade · Madison & Gallatin
- Unclaimed
Names this water
View guide
BP
Bob Powell's Guide Service
Missoula, MT · 95 mi
Float trips · Wade trips · Missouri River
- Unclaimed
Names this water
View guide

All Montana guides

5 shops nearby

CrossCurrents Fly Shop
Wolf Creek, MT
Fly shop · Guided trips · Shuttles
- Unclaimed
View shop
Headhunters LLC
Craig, MT
Fly shop · Guided trips · Shuttles
- Unclaimed
View shop
The Trout Shop | Missouri River Fly Fishing
Craig, MT
Fly shop · Raft & boat rentals · Shuttles
- Unclaimed
View shop
PC
Pete Cardinal Outfitters/ Missouri River Angler
Wolf Creek, MT
Fishing shop · Lodging
- Unclaimed
View shop
Wolf Creek Angler
Wolf Creek, MT
Fishing shop
- Unclaimed
View shop

All Montana shops

Species and hatches

What 4 nearby guide websites mention: what guides advertise, not a survey or a promise of what you will catch.

Named on 4 nearby guide websites

Brown trout4
Northern pike3
Rainbow trout3
Tarpon2
Bass1
Bonefish1
Salmon1
Steelhead1

When the bugs come off

Regional hatch months: Northern Rockies

5 hatches charted for the region, not measured on this water. From Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

January: no charted hatch
February: no charted hatch
March: no charted hatch
April: no charted hatch
May: 3 charted hatches
June: 2 charted hatches
July: 2 charted hatches
August: 1 charted hatch
September: 1 charted hatch
October: no charted hatch
November: no charted hatch
December: no charted hatch

Mother's Day caddis (Grannom) (May) · Salmonfly (May to June) · Salmonfly (May to July) · Salmonfly (July) · Trico (August to September)

Northern Rockies hatch chart

Plan your stay

Fishing lodges nearby

All lodges

Missouri River Ranch
Craig, Montana
Guest ranch · 5.1 mi
- Unclaimed
- Guided fishing
Brown Drake Lodge
Wolf Creek, Montana
Fishing lodge · 6.7 mi
- Unclaimed
7R Guest Ranch - Motel and RV Park
Wolf Creek, Montana
Guest ranch · 7.1 mi
- Unclaimed
On DeMark Lodge
Cascade, Montana
Fishing lodge · 12 mi
- Unclaimed
The Blacktail Ranch
Wolf Creek, Montana
Guest ranch · 15 mi
- Unclaimed

Getting there

HLN · Helena · 27 mi straight-lineFlights (opens in a new tab)
GTF · Great Falls · 45 mi straight-lineFlights (opens in a new tab)
BTM · Butte · 75 mi straight-lineFlights (opens in a new tab)

About this

Miles are straight-line distances, not drive times.
Airports: scheduled passenger service, from OurAirports (public domain) (2026-11-04).
Lodges are listed when their own website talks about fishing. Prices and availability are the lodge's own.

Craig & the Missouri

Craig is a small town on the Missouri River in Lewis and Clark County, below Holter Dam and the town of Wolf Creek, between Helena and Great Falls; the Dearborn River joins the Missouri to the north.

Destination hub · 6 mi away in a straight line

Open the hub Plan a trip here

Gear checklist

What to bring on a guided float fishing trip: rain gear, polarized sunglasses, sun protection, a dry bag and your license. Most guides supply rods and flies. Estimated prices and where to buy.

A woman rows a drift boat while a man stands in the bow and casts

Guided float trip

Usually supplied by the guide; a 9′ 5–6 weight if you bring your own · Trout on most western float rivers

Open the checklist

Videos for this water (5)

Watch: reading a trout stream

Seams, shelves and soft water, shown on real rivers.

Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.

How I Learned to Read Water (Fly Fishing)Embedded from YouTube · Mad River Outfitters · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube
How To Read The Water with Tom RosenbauerEmbedded from YouTube · The New Fly Fisher · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube
Reading the Water to Successfully Locate TroutEmbedded from YouTube · Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube

Not sponsored All videos on reading water

Watch: nymphing basics

Indicator rigs, depth and detecting the take.

Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.

90° Nymph RigEmbedded from YouTube · Huge Fly Fisherman · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube
Casting with an Indicator & Better Nymphing TechniquesEmbedded from YouTube · The New Fly Fisher · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube

Not sponsored All videos on nymphing

Fish Tales

Trip stories anglers chose to share publicly and tagged with Missouri River.

No stories from here yet.

Write the first story Share your day

Sources for this page

Not a statement of access, fish presence or conditions.

Something wrong?

All 13 sources and dates

A water page organises discovery. It does not assert public access, legal access, current fish presence, guide availability or fishing conditions.

Flows, gauge statistics and flood stages come from USGS and the National Weather Service when the page is shown. Regulations, stocking, species and season statements link to the agency that publishes them; this page copies only the species names and the quoted sentences. Guide and shop listings come from the Legendary directories. Position: the USGS gauge Missouri River bl Holter Dam nr Wolf Cr MT. Water type is our own classification.

Missouri River bl Holter Dam nr Wolf Cr MT

USGS 06066500

Caution: Low water: low release for the date

Flow 2,720 ft³/s: much below normal (under the 10th percentile) for Nov 5, over 81 years of USGS record. U.S. Geological Survey
If you're fishing for trout here: 50°F now, 50.2°F at most in 24 hours: under Montana FWP's 68°F line. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Cold water, 50°F. NWS: cold shock is dangerous at 50-60°F and colder; “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.” National Weather Service

General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.

Discharge: 2,720 ft³/s
Gauge height: 2.88 ft
Water temp: 50°F (10°C)

Reading Nov 5, 3:45 PM MST · provisional USGS data

Much below normal for Nov 5 Steady · 24 h

Discharge · last 7 days

Discharge, about hourly
Latest: 2,720 ft³/s at Nov 5, 3:45 PM MST

USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS Water Data API continuous values.

View data as a table

Discharge, last 7 days: readings, about hourly, newest first. USGS provisional data may be revised. Missing hours or days are not filled in.
Time	Discharge (ft³/s)	Gauge height (ft)	Water temp (°F)
Nov 5, 3:45 PM MST	2,720	2.88	50
Nov 5, 2:45 PM MST	2,730	2.89	50
Nov 5, 1:45 PM MST	2,730	2.89	50
Nov 5, 12:45 PM MST	2,750	2.9	50
Nov 5, 11:45 AM MST	2,730	2.89	50
Nov 5, 10:45 AM MST	2,750	2.9	49.8
Nov 5, 9:45 AM MST	2,750	2.9	49.8
Nov 5, 8:45 AM MST	2,730	2.89	49.6
Nov 5, 7:45 AM MST	2,720	2.88	49.6
Nov 5, 6:45 AM MST	2,690	2.86	49.6
Nov 5, 5:45 AM MST	2,670	2.85	49.6
Nov 5, 4:45 AM MST	2,660	2.84	49.8
Nov 5, 3:45 AM MST	2,660	2.84	49.8
Nov 5, 2:45 AM MST	2,670	2.85	50
Nov 5, 1:45 AM MST	2,660	2.84	50
Nov 5, 12:45 AM MST	2,670	2.85	50
Nov 4, 11:45 PM MST	2,670	2.85	50
Nov 4, 10:45 PM MST	2,670	2.85	49.8
Nov 4, 9:45 PM MST	2,670	2.85	50
Nov 4, 8:45 PM MST	2,660	2.84	50
Nov 4, 7:45 PM MST	2,670	2.85	50
Nov 4, 6:45 PM MST	2,690	2.86	50
Nov 4, 5:45 PM MST	2,690	2.86	50
Nov 4, 4:45 PM MST	2,690	2.86	50.2
Nov 4, 3:45 PM MST	2,690	2.86	50.2
Nov 4, 2:45 PM MST	2,670	2.85	50.2
Nov 4, 1:45 PM MST	2,670	2.85	50.4
Nov 4, 12:45 PM MST	2,660	2.84	50.4
Nov 4, 11:45 AM MST	2,580	2.79	50.4
Nov 4, 10:45 AM MST	2,570	2.78	50.2
Nov 4, 9:45 AM MST	2,630	2.82	50.2
Nov 4, 8:45 AM MST	2,750	2.9	50
Nov 4, 7:45 AM MST	2,800	2.93	49.8
Nov 4, 6:45 AM MST	2,800	2.93	49.8
Nov 4, 5:45 AM MST	2,800	2.93	49.8
Nov 4, 4:45 AM MST	2,800	2.93	50
Nov 4, 3:45 AM MST	2,780	2.92	50
Nov 4, 2:45 AM MST	2,780	2.92	50
Nov 4, 1:45 AM MST	2,780	2.92	50
Nov 4, 12:45 AM MST	2,780	2.92	50
Nov 3, 11:45 PM MST	2,780	2.92	50
Nov 3, 10:45 PM MST	2,780	2.92	50
Nov 3, 9:45 PM MST	2,780	2.92	50.2
Nov 3, 8:45 PM MST	2,800	2.93	50.2
Nov 3, 7:45 PM MST	2,800	2.93	50.2
Nov 3, 6:45 PM MST	2,800	2.93	50.2
Nov 3, 5:45 PM MST	2,800	2.93	50.2
Nov 3, 4:45 PM MST	2,810	2.94	50.2
Nov 3, 3:45 PM MST	2,800	2.93	50.4
Nov 3, 2:45 PM MST	2,730	2.89	50.4
Nov 3, 1:45 PM MST	2,810	2.94	50.5
Nov 3, 12:45 PM MST	2,830	2.95	50.5
Nov 3, 11:45 AM MST	2,830	2.95	50.5
Nov 3, 10:45 AM MST	2,830	2.95	50.4
Nov 3, 9:45 AM MST	2,830	2.95	50.2
Nov 3, 8:45 AM MST	2,810	2.94	50.2
Nov 3, 7:45 AM MST	2,830	2.95	50
Nov 3, 6:45 AM MST	2,840	2.96	49.8
Nov 3, 5:45 AM MST	2,830	2.95	50
Nov 3, 4:45 AM MST	2,830	2.95	50
Nov 3, 3:45 AM MST	2,830	2.95	50
Nov 3, 2:45 AM MST	2,840	2.96	50
Nov 3, 1:45 AM MST	2,840	2.96	50
Nov 3, 12:45 AM MST	2,840	2.96	50.2
Nov 2, 11:45 PM MST	2,840	2.96	50.2
Nov 2, 10:45 PM MST	2,840	2.96	50.2
Nov 2, 9:45 PM MST	2,840	2.96	50.4
Nov 2, 8:45 PM MST	2,840	2.96	50.4
Nov 2, 7:45 PM MST	2,840	2.96	50.4
Nov 2, 6:45 PM MST	2,840	2.96	50.4
Nov 2, 5:45 PM MST	2,840	2.96	50.4
Nov 2, 4:45 PM MST	2,840	2.96	50.5
Nov 2, 3:45 PM MST	2,830	2.95	50.7
Nov 2, 2:45 PM MST	2,840	2.96	50.9
Nov 2, 1:45 PM MST	2,840	2.96	50.9
Nov 2, 12:45 PM MST	2,840	2.96	50.9
Nov 2, 11:45 AM MST	2,860	2.97	50.9
Nov 2, 10:45 AM MST	2,840	2.96	50.7
Nov 2, 9:45 AM MST	2,840	2.96	50.7
Nov 2, 8:45 AM MST	2,840	2.96	50.5
Nov 2, 7:45 AM MST	2,860	2.97	50.5
Nov 2, 6:45 AM MST	2,860	2.97	50.5
Nov 2, 5:45 AM MST	2,860	2.97	50.5
Nov 2, 4:45 AM MST	2,860	2.97	50.5
Nov 2, 3:45 AM MST	2,840	2.96	50.5
Nov 2, 2:45 AM MST	2,840	2.96	50.5
Nov 2, 1:45 AM MST	2,840	2.96	50.5
Nov 2, 12:45 AM MST	2,860	2.97	50.5
Nov 1, 11:45 PM MST	2,860	2.97	50.5
Nov 1, 10:45 PM MST	2,860	2.97	50.5
Nov 1, 9:45 PM MST	2,860	2.97	50.5
Nov 1, 8:45 PM MST	2,860	2.97	50.5
Nov 1, 7:45 PM MST	2,860	2.97	50.5
Nov 1, 6:45 PM MST	2,870	2.98	50.5
Nov 1, 5:45 PM MST	2,870	2.98	50.5
Nov 1, 4:45 PM MST	2,870	2.98	50.7
Nov 1, 3:45 PM MST	2,860	2.97	50.7
Nov 1, 2:45 PM MST	2,860	2.97	50.7
Nov 1, 1:45 PM MST	2,860	2.97	50.7
Nov 1, 12:45 PM MST	2,860	2.97	50.7
Nov 1, 11:45 AM MST	2,840	2.96	50.7
Nov 1, 10:45 AM MST	2,830	2.95	50.7
Nov 1, 9:45 AM MST	2,780	2.92	50.7
Nov 1, 8:45 AM MST	2,770	2.91	50.7
Nov 1, 7:45 AM MST	2,780	2.92	50.7
Nov 1, 6:45 AM MST	2,770	2.91	50.7
Nov 1, 5:45 AM MST	2,770	2.91	50.7
Nov 1, 4:45 AM MST	2,770	2.91	50.7
Nov 1, 3:45 AM MST	2,750	2.9	50.7
Nov 1, 2:45 AM MST	2,750	2.9	50.7
Nov 1, 1:45 AM MST	2,750	2.9	50.7
Nov 1, 1:45 AM MDT	2,750	2.9	50.7
Nov 1, 12:45 AM MDT	2,750	2.9	50.7
Oct 31, 11:45 PM MDT	2,750	2.9	50.7
Oct 31, 10:45 PM MDT	2,750	2.9	50.7
Oct 31, 9:45 PM MDT	2,750	2.9	50.7
Oct 31, 8:45 PM MDT	2,770	2.91	50.7
Oct 31, 7:45 PM MDT	2,750	2.9	50.9
Oct 31, 6:45 PM MDT	2,750	2.9	50.9
Oct 31, 5:45 PM MDT	2,730	2.89	50.9
Oct 31, 4:45 PM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 31, 3:45 PM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 31, 2:45 PM MDT	2,700	2.87	50.9
Oct 31, 1:45 PM MDT	2,690	2.86	51.1
Oct 31, 12:45 PM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 31, 11:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 31, 10:45 AM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 31, 9:45 AM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 31, 8:45 AM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 31, 7:45 AM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.7
Oct 31, 6:45 AM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 31, 5:45 AM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 31, 4:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	50.9
Oct 31, 3:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	50.9
Oct 31, 2:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	50.9
Oct 31, 1:45 AM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 31, 12:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	50.9
Oct 30, 11:45 PM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 30, 10:45 PM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 30, 9:45 PM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 30, 8:45 PM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 30, 7:45 PM MDT	2,720	2.88	50.9
Oct 30, 6:45 PM MDT	2,730	2.89	50.9
Oct 30, 5:45 PM MDT	2,730	2.89	51.1
Oct 30, 4:45 PM MDT	2,720	2.88	51.1
Oct 30, 3:45 PM MDT	2,730	2.89	51.1
Oct 30, 2:45 PM MDT	2,730	2.89	51.3
Oct 30, 1:45 PM MDT	2,730	2.89	51.1
Oct 30, 12:45 PM MDT	2,730	2.89	51.1
Oct 30, 11:45 AM MDT	2,720	2.88	51.1
Oct 30, 10:45 AM MDT	2,720	2.88	51.1
Oct 30, 9:45 AM MDT	2,720	2.88	51.1
Oct 30, 8:45 AM MDT	2,720	2.88	51.1
Oct 30, 7:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 30, 6:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 30, 5:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 30, 4:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 30, 3:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 30, 2:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 30, 1:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 30, 12:45 AM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 29, 11:45 PM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 29, 10:45 PM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 29, 9:45 PM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.1
Oct 29, 8:45 PM MDT	2,720	2.88	51.1
Oct 29, 7:45 PM MDT	2,720	2.88	51.1
Oct 29, 6:45 PM MDT	2,720	2.88	51.1
Oct 29, 5:45 PM MDT	2,700	2.87	51.3
Oct 29, 5:15 PM MDT	2,690	2.86	51.3