July 30th, 2026

Missouri River Below Holter Dam

On the Dry Side

Caddis and PMD/PEDs are very sporadic alongside Pseudo/micro mayflies, with Callibaetis a possibility. Tricos are present with an early morning game on the female dun hatch and the male spinners mid-morning. Terrestrials round out the topside fare including smaller hoppers, ants, and beetles.

Topside Patterns

Winna Spinner Trico, Hackle Stacker Trico, Last Chance Cripple Trico, Found Link, Film Critic, Sparkle Flag PMD, CDC Para Spinner, Profile Spinner, High Vis Rusty Spinner, Brianne Dun, Purple Haze, Para Adams, Split Flag Adams, Hi-Vis Spent Caddis, Jeb Caddis, Corn Fed Caddis, Superman Caddis, Hackle Stacker Callibaetis, Callibaetis Spinner

When the hatches are over or nonexistent, it’s time to go with terrestrials:

Chubbies, Micro Chubbies, Water Walkers, Stimulators, Glitter Ant, Cupboard Ant, Ante Up, Fat Head Beetle, Juicy Hopper, Henneberry Hopper, and many more.

Nymphing Fly Patterns We Love

• Zebras: Flying Zebra, Zebra, Tufted Zebra

• Evergreen Nymphs: Tailwater Sow, Worm, Hares Ear, Pheasant Tail

• Mayflies: Black IPT, Black Two Bit, Frenchy, Black and Brown Perdigons, Jig Micro May, Hares Ear, Pheasant Tail

• Caddis: Blow Torch, Ascending Caddis, Duracell

In the Dam to Wolf Creek Bridge stretch, tiny bugs are generally best. Once you move down the river, crayfish patterns, leeches, and even damsel nymphs can get the grab underneath. Sizeable brown trout are hooked every day on the Zirdle Bug, one of the favored crayfish patterns. Trail your Zirdle with another Zirdle, a damsel, or a nymph.

Dry Dropper?

Tired of the indicator? Rounding out the day with a Hopper-Dropper setup is the play. Expect most of the activity on the nymph, but those few topside eats make it super exciting.

Meaty Stuff

Streamer fishing is not the norm, but that means those who try are often rewarded. The Bam-Bam Minnow, Thin Mint, black, brown, and olive Bugger varieties, Chicago Overcoat, Kreelex, and Sparkle Minnow should be on your line.

The Season is in Full Swing

THE TROUT SHOP is now open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and we are your one-stop shop for coffee, breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches, sides, snacks, soft beverages, wine and beer. Our Hub Saloon in the Trout Shop Lodge is also open 7 days a week from 6-9 p.m. The best way to ensure you can get served is to book a reservation on Open Table. TO do so, use the link or search Open Table. Search for Craig, Montana and Hub Saloon will pop up. Pick you time and get ready for some over the top meals. You can also check in with our staff and check on availability. Need a Pizza? Place your order in the shop or stop into the Hub.

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