Short surface opportunities
Midges and occasional small mayflies may still bring fish up in mild weather. Look for actual rises before committing to the surface.
Montana · Holter Dam to Craig
Missouri RiverHolter Dam to Craig
Plan your visit · Conditions and resources
Why visit this stretch?
Broad runs, grassy banks and rising trout give this tailwater its character. Explore the Missouri below Holter Dam, through Wolf Creek to Craig, using public access sites for a bank outing or a planned float.
- Fish you’ll find
- Rainbow trout and brown trout; mountain whitefish also occur.
- River character
- Dam-controlled tailwater with broad runs and riffles.
- Nearest towns
- Wolf Creek and Craig, Montana.
Conditions at a glance
Mountain timeLoading source readings…
Check the river before setting out.
Check the gauge ↗Review the gauge trend and official notices before choosing a launch, takeout or bank access point.
View full photo ↗This month below Holter Dam
Seasonal clues
Seasonal guidance, not a current hatch report.
November
Subsurface staples
Sowbugs, scuds and midge imitations offer options between hatches. Let the water and feeding activity determine your starting approach.
Plan your visit
Holter tailwaterHolter Dam through Wolf Creek to Craig
On foot 
Begin with established public access sites such as Holter Dam or Craig. Check the site map and posted boundaries; an access point does not make every bank public or every stretch suitable for wading.
By boat 
Choose a launch and takeout from the official access map, then arrange a shuttle. Check ramp information and river conditions before committing to a float.
Rules and access
Official linksNotices are not automatically checked here.
Fishing regulations
Check the rules for your reach.
Review Montana’s current fishing regulations and restrictions for the Missouri River below Holter Dam.
Getting to the water
Check the landing, too.
Review official restrictions and access information before heading to your launch, takeout or bank access point.
From the river
What did you notice?
Share a recent observation or help us correct this page. General locations are enough.
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Sources & page details
Official USGS gauge ↗ · Official NWS forecast ↗
USGS station 06066500 · Missouri below Holter Dam near Wolf Creek. Forecast: National Weather Service · Craig area. Sources are normally requested hourly by WordPress; low traffic can delay scheduled work. Source observation times are shown with readings. Delayed readings are labeled and expired readings are hidden.
One gauge and forecast point do not describe the entire reach. USGS readings may be provisional and revised. Rules and access links are not automatically checked. Seasonal clues are editorial guidance, not a current hatch report.
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