Missouri River - Below Holter Dam - Montana
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Missouri River – Below Holter Dam - Water Flow Chart
Missouri River – Below Holter Dam - Weather report & radar
Missouri River – Below Holter Dam - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Most Active During Warmer Hours | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Blue Winged Olives | Mid Day | 20-22 | BWO Emerger, CDC Dun BWO | |
| February | Midges | Most Active During Warmer Hours | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Blue Winged Olives | Mid Day | 20-22 | BWO Emerger, CDC Dun BWO | |
| March | Blue Winged Olives | Mid Day | 18-20 | BWO Emerger, CDC Dun BWO |
| Skwala Stones | Noon-5pm | 10-12 | Double Bead Skwala, Skwala Adult | |
| April | Blue Winged Olives | Mid Day | 18-20 | BWO Emerger, CDC Dun BWO |
| March Browns | Noon-Evening | 14-16 | March Brown Sparkle Dun, March Brown Cripple | |
| Caddis | Afternoon-Evening | 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X caddis | |
| May | Caddis | Afternoon-Evening | 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X caddis |
| PMDs | Noon-Early Afternoon | 16-18 | Parachute PMD, PMD Emerger | |
| June | PMDs | Noon-Early Afternoon | 16-18 | Parachute PMD, PMD Emerger |
| Caddis | Afternoon-Evening | 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X caddis | |
| Yellow Sallies | Mid Day | 14-16 | Yellow Sally Stone, Crystal Stimulator | |
| July | Tricos | Morning | 20-22 | Trico Emerger, CDC Trico |
| Caddis | Afternoon-Evening | 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X caddis | |
| Yellow Sallies | Mid Day | 14-16 | Yellow Sally Stone, Crystal Stimulator | |
| August | Tricos | Morning | 20-22 | Trico Emerger, CDC Trico |
| Hoppers/ Terrestrials | All Day | 10-12 | Hopper Juan, Foam Beetle | |
| September | Tricos | Morning | 20-22 | Trico Emerger, CDC Trico |
| Hoppers/ Terrestrials | All Day | 10-12 | Hopper Juan, Foam Beetle | |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Mid Day | 20-22 | BWO Emerger, CDC Dun BWO |
| October Caddis | All Day, Peaks Late | 8-10 | October Caddis Pupa, October Caddis Dry | |
| Midges | Most Active During Warmer Hours | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge | |
| November | Midges | Most Active During Warmer Hours | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Blue Winged Olives | Mid Day | 20-22 | BWO Emerger, CDC Dun BWO | |
| December | Midges | Most Active During Warmer Hours | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Blue Winged Olives | Mid Day | 20-22 | BWO Emerger, CDC Dun BWO |
Missouri River – Below Holter Dam Access Points
Fly fishers are served with some amazing spots on the Missouri River below the Holter Dam. Some of the standout locations include:
- Craig Crossing: A quintessential access point situated right in the hub of Craig, this spot is easily accessible.
- Mid Canon: This spot is not too far from Craig and provides ample fly fishing opportunities. It’s perfect for those who want to fish in peace.
- Stickney Creek: This spot is a bit further down the river but offers some of the best fly fishing in terms of size and quantity of fish.
These access points provide different types of water and terrain, enhancing the fly-fishing experience. Remember to respect local regulations and always practice catch and release to help maintain these fantastic fishing spots for future generations.
Missouri River – Below Holter Dam Fishing Spots
The stretch of the Missouri River downstream of the Holter Dam is a renowned haven for fly-fishing enthusiasts. Several spots are marked as top-rated places:
- Craig: Found 40 miles north of Helena, this area offers a scenic backdrop for captivating angling experiences. It’s abundant in brown trout.
- Land of the Giants: Located near the Holter Dam itself, this area promises larger trout, thanks to the deeper water.
- Dearborn Confluence: A perfect place for dry fly fishing particularly in the summer with hatches of mayflies, caddis, and terrestrials.
- Stickney Creek Outlet: A buffer zone between the faster and slower moving parts of the river – it boasts good catch rates.
- Mountain Palace: Ideal if you are fishing from a boat due to its tricky bank access, but it guarantees a rich population of rainbow trout.
Missouri River – Below Holter Dam Local Fish Species
- Rainbow Trout: Known for their strong fight and aerial acrobatics, they make for an exciting catch on the fly.
- Brown Trout: Prized by anglers for their elusive nature and potential for large size. Hatches of mayflies, caddis, and other insects attract these opportunistic feeders.
- Mountain Whitefish: Another trout-like species providing good sport for fly fishers, they’re resilient, robust fish that eat a wide range of insects and small fish.
- Cutthroat Trout: Native to the Western U.S., including the Missouri River, Cutthroats provide great sport for anglers who enjoy sight fishing and dry fly tactics.
- Brook Trout: Though not as common as other species, if found in lower numbers they can be particularly fun to hook on a dry fly.
- Percidae: This group of perches, particularly sauger and walleye, often hit fly patterns that resemble baitfish.
- Northern Pike: Known for their aggressive hits and thrilling fight, Northern Pike offer a unique fly fishing challenge.
- Smallmouth Bass: While not a traditional fly fishing quarry, these aggressive and hard-fighting fish are more common in other sections of the Missouri River, but can sometimes be hooked below Holter Dam.
About the Missouri River – Below Holter Dam
The Missouri River – Below Holter Dam is a quintessential piece of our nation’s deep-seated history. Carving through the sceneries of Montana, this stretch of the Missouri River has been a significant waterway since times immemorial.
Here are some key points regarding its rich history:
Here are some key points regarding its rich history:
- The Dam itself, built in 1918, is an example of early 20th-century engineering marvels and has been crucial for irrigation and electric generation.
- Renowned explorers Lewis and Clark navigated this part of the river in 1805, making it an inseparable part of their Expedition’s tales.
- The river was a significant lifeline for the native American tribes and later became a conduit for westward expansion and trade.
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