MISSOURI RIVER FISHING REPORT
July 9th, 2026
Location: Missouri River Below Holter Dam
Flows: 3,580 cfs
Weather: Hot weather is here. High 90s through the weekend.
Water Temp: 62
The Tricos are here, and the fishing is best on the hatching females from before sunrise to around 8 a.m. Then the mating columns form and the male spinners hit the water in mass sometime between 9 and 10 a.m. If the weather is calm, fishing single and double-wing Trico spinners can be excellent. If the wind comes up, fishing drowned Trico’s and flying/winged Zebras under an indicator or a larger dry fly (Chubby) can be the play.
Nymphing Fly Patterns We Love
Tufted Zebra, Flying Zebra, Frenchy, Black IPT, Green Machine, Psycho May, Split Case PMD, Spanish Perdigon, Fullback Napoleon, Two Bit Hooker, Micro May, Crust Nymph, Blow Torch, Red Bead Blow Torch, Natural Grey and Rainbow Tailwater Sows.
On the Dry Side
Be prepared for picky fish. These trout have been educated by lots of anglers over the past several months. Now is the time to bring your A-game. The fish are very catchable, but long leaders, accurate casts and fly-first presentations are key. Many anglers live for this time.
Caddis and PMDs are in play, but not as consistently as Tricos. Sparse PMD Para Spinners and Translucent Caddis Emergers are popular. In the evenings, there have been some PEDs or evening duns on the water before sundown. Be ready with some Film Critics, Sparkle Flags or Split Flags. Some nights, the caddis make a big showing of egg laying before full dark. Superman Caddis, High Vis Spent Caddis and Stalcup’s Adult Caddis are favorites.
Meaty Stuff
The weeds are going to make streamer fishing a challenge going forward, but since few are fishing them, going against the grain can get you some fish.
Bam Bam, Thin Mint, Trout Spey Bugger, Mini Montana Intruder, Mini Sculpin, Mini Dungeon, Micro Peanut Envy, Peacock and Black Bugger. If your heart can handle it, try a big, white Dungeon.
If Hate the Small Stuff, Go Big
Zonkers, Zirdles, and Buggers are nymphing and swinging well and producing plenty of aggressive fish.
The Season is in Full Swing
THE TROUT SHOP is 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 for availability. Need a pizza? Place your order in the shop or stop into the Hub.
RESOURCES
MISSOURI RIVER WEATHER FORECAST
OTHER REPORTS WE LIKE TO FOLLOW
Missouri River fishing reports aren't always the same. One stretch of the river may fish better than others which is why we like to check a number of different fishing reports from other shops in the area. We've gathered our favorite fishing report sources in the links below.