May 11th, 2022

The Missouri River is legendary even by Montana standards. With trout averaging 18 inches, and fish counts regularly exceeding 6,000 per mile, it’s easy to see why the Missouri is considered one of the greatest fisheries in the Western United States.
 

Besides the best fly fishing in Montana, the Missouri River is infamous for the town of Craig. Anglers have caught their first 20"+ trout in these waters, or nursed their sorrows over "the one that got away" in Izaaks or Joe's. Well, for 2022, we're happy to announce that Ten Mile Creek Brewery has opened up shop in Craig! Stop by for a local craft beer, grab a burger from their food truck, or to swap fish stories. Chef Patrick has been firing up our new Argentine grill, and serving the best Ribeyes in Montana. The best dry fly fishing in Montana is right now. Scroll down to read the full report!

Fly Fishing Update:
What do we get when we combine steady flows and thick BWO hatches? The best spring dry fly fishing in Missouri River history.
 
Dry fly fishing continues to be red hot, and producing excellent fish. Our General Manager, Jake, caught his personal best Missouri River brown trout (pictured in this report) on a BWO cripple, about 1.5 miles north of the ranch. There have been excellent spinner falls (hint: make sure you always have a rusty spinner in your fly box!).
 
Nymph fishing is more dynamic, with the opportunity to present a "dry-dropper". Clients have been fishing Chubbies with a Fenchie dropper, about 3' below their dry. Fish are keen to eat the dropper, with occasional takes on top. Traditional nymphing continues to be effective with scuds, sow bugs, and baetis patterns. 

Streamer fishing has been hindered by the sunnier days we have been experiencing. However, anglers can still connect with decent fish while throwing Flash N' Grabs on a sink tip. Focus on deeper buckets and pools. 

Drop us a line and we hope to see you soon! 

160 Acres on a Private Stretch of the Missouri River
Craig, Montana
www.missouririverranch.com