Current Missouri River Fishing Report



How To Fish the Missouri River

Beginning about 20 miles from Bozeman, at the confluence of the Gallatin, Madison, and Jefferson rivers, the famous Missouri River starts at Headwaters State Park outside of Three Forks, Montana.  Here it begins the long journey northward. For the first 18 miles, the grade is fairly flat, not the typical tail-water fishery we most commonly think of when picturing the Missouri River.  This upper stretch of the river is home to some very large Trout, Carp, and in some spots even Northern Pike.  Although there can be, at times, good trout fishing in this area, the fish numbers are not considered outstanding.  This is however a popular stretch of river for those interested in sight fishing for Carp

The Missouri River then heads downstream well over 100 miles and through several lakes and dams before it reaches the outlet of Holter Lake near the town of Craig, Montana.  Here, the river is known as a serious tailwater trout fishery, boasting thousands of fish per mile.  Don’t be fooled by that statistic though as the Missouri River in Craig doesn’t simply hand over big trout to anyone that wets a line; she’ll make you work for them.  At times the fishing in Craig can be as technical as any spring creek you’ll find.  With the daily hatch creating a cloud effect and tiny bugs covering the surface of the water, trying to convince any trout to eat your specific fly can be difficult, to say the least.  That being said, there are plenty of days, when the stars and the moon align, and the fish will eat a well presented fly with reckless abandon.  Those are the days we live for.  Downstream from Craig, the fish numbers drop a bit as the river move’s its way towards Great Falls.  Once the river hits Great Falls, the trout fishing stretch is considered to be mostly over. 

From it’s headwaters in Three Forks, Montana, northward to Great Falls, Montana, the Missouri river covers 198 river miles, just 8% of its complete 2,341 mile journey to the Mississippi River.  

Check Out the Blog

Keep It Simple: Use Tippet Rings

Keep It Simple: Use Tippet Rings

September 03, 2023 2 min read

After working in the shop the past two summers, as well as instructing some of our Fly Fishing Classes, I’ve gotten to interact with tons of new anglers who are just getting started. One of the biggest takeaways I’ve found from these interactions, is that people are really intimidated by the knowledge surrounding fly fishing, specifically knots and different rigs.

Perhaps one of the most helpful, time-saving tools/gear I’ve ever come across is the tippet ring. Many of you have probably already heard of them, but with how much it has helped clients and customers, I feel the need to reintroduce.

Read More
40th Anniversary Event with Sage and Rio

40th Anniversary Event with Sage and Rio

July 02, 2023 1 min read

Believe it or not, the River's Edge has now been around for 40 years. We're planning on celebrating a lot this summer, and our second event is on the books. Join us July 8 at The River's Edge from 10am-3pm for a 40th Anniversary Event featuring Sage Fly Rods and Rio Products.
Read More
The Benefits of Catch-and-Release Fishing: Why It Matters

The Benefits of Catch-and-Release Fishing: Why It Matters

March 15, 2023 2 min read

As anglers, we all love catching fish. Fooling a beautifully wild creature into eating your fly is undoubtedly a thrilling experience, but it's essential to consider the handling of fish once you do land them. One of the best ways to enjoy the sport while still showing respect for the fish and the environment is by practicing catch-and-release fishing. 
Read More