Dearborn River - Craig - Montana
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Dearborn River – Craig - Water Flow Chart
Dearborn River – Craig - Weather report & radar
Dearborn River – Craig - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midge | Afternoon | 20-22 | Zebra Midge |
| February | Midge | Afternoon | 18-20 | Griffith’s Gnat |
| March | Blue Winged Olive | Late Morning-Early Afternoon | 16-20 | Sparkle Dun BWO |
| April | Blue Winged Olive, Skawla Stonefly | Afternoon | 10-14, 6-10 | BWO Emerger, Skawla Stone |
| May | Pale Morning Dun, Caddis | Morning, Evening | 16-20, 14-16 | PMD Cripple, Elk Hair Caddis |
| June | Salmonfly, Green Drake | All Day | 6-10, 10-12 | Rogue Foam Salmonfly, Green Drake Dun |
| July | Yellow Sallies, Caddis | All Day | 14-16, 14-16 | Yellow Sally Stone, Elk Hair Caddis |
| August | Tiny Baetis, Trico | Morning, Afternoon | 18-22, 20-24 | JuJu Baetis, Trico Spinner |
| September | Hoppers, Cicadas | Noon to Afternoon | 6-10 | Chubby Chernobyl, Foam Cicada |
| October | BWO, Mahogany Dun | Late Morning-Early Afternoon | 16-20, 14-18 | Parachute BWO, Sparkledun Mahogany Dun |
| November | Midge, BWO | Afternoon | 18-22, 20-22 | Smokejumper Midge, Emerger BWO |
| December | Midge | Afternoon | 20-22 | Ice Cream Cone Midge |
Dearborn River – Craig Access Points
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice, fly fishing on the Dearborn River near Craig, Montana offers an unparalleled experience. Here are some of the best access points:
- Highway 287 Bridge: An easily accessible location, great for those looking to cast their line without a long hike.
- Evans Riceville Road: This spot requires a bit of a hike but offers tranquil and secluded fishing spots.
- Peter Koch Bridge: Located near Wolf Creek, this access point is ideal if you’re looking to combine fishing with camping.
Remember, respect private properties along the river and always clean up after yourself to keep these stunning locations pristine. Keeping a local fishing guidebook handy can also be helpful to learn about specific restrictions or catch limits.
Dearborn River – Craig Fishing Spots
Located in Montana, the Dearborn River offers one of the best fly fishing experiences. Here are some top spots on the Dearborn River – Craig:
- Highway 435 Bridge: Offers perfect spots under the bridge where trout love to hide. Spring is the best time to catch rainbow and cutthroat trout here.
- Timber Train Bridge: A remote but rewarding option, best to visit during the summer months.
- Dearborn Confluence: The area where Dearborn River and Missouri River merge are a hotspot for brown trout.
- Lower Dearborn River: The section between Highway 200 and the confluence has a high population of rainbow and cutthroat trout. It is also a peaceful area to fish, away from the crowd.
Dearborn River – Craig Local Fish Species
- Trout: Trout are the most common fish targeted on the Dearborn River. These include both rainbow trout and brown trout.
- Mountain Whitefish: These fish can often be found in large numbers in the deeper holes of the river.
- Yellow Perch: This species can be found in the slower pools and backwaters of the river.
- Walleye: Considered by many to be one of the best-tasting freshwater fish, walleye can be tricky to catch on a fly rod.
- Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth bass are not as common as other species, but they can be found in certain sections of the river.
- Pike: Pike is another fish that can be targeted on the Dearborn River, especially in the lower reaches of the river.
- Arctic Grayling: This beautiful fish is not common in most rivers but can be found in the higher reaches of the Dearborn River.
- Brook Trout: Another common catch for fly fishers, brook trout, are typically found in the river’s cooler waters.
About the Dearborn River – Craig
The Dearborn River in Montana, flowing from Scapegoat Wilderness, is a picturesque river that has a unique history. This river is not only famed for its exceptional natural beauty but also for its fascinating past.
The name ‘Dearborn’ was given by none other than Lewis and Clark during their monumental westward exploration. They named it in honor of their Secretary of War, Henry Dearborn. However, the local natives had been using this river for centuries prior, as a bountiful fishing locale.
- The river is about 70 miles long, contributing to the Missouri River.
- It’s fabled for its rich ecosystems, providing habitat for a diverse range of wildlife.
- Later, during westward expansion, it aided in fertile grounds for agricultural development.
Today, the Dearborn River in Craig serves as a paradise for recreational purposes. From canoeing to fishing, its significance remains intact in portraying the charm of Montana’s beauty and history.
Community Contributions
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