Missouri river near Craig Montana

[Mike Tolbert]

Has anyone fished the Missouri near Craig, Montana?

I stumbled onto it and thought I’d see if anyone has any info. I’m researching west coast destinations for a camping/fishing trip.

The boat rentals don’t look to bad.

Crosscurrents prices look the best. $100/day with shuttle included at http://www.crosscurrents.com/CrossCurrents/Boat_and_Equipment_Rentals.html

$150/day with shuttle included at http://www.headhuntersflyshop.com/boat-rental/

Thanks,
Mike

[Zach Matthews]

#1 rule for rowing a driftboat: point your nose at trouble and back water.

Good luck Mike.

Zach

[Tim Pommer]

I’ve fished it many times and it’s an awesome river but can be rather moody and technical. It’s an incredible dry fly fishery when you time it right – streamers and nymphs can usually always produce.

It’s simple to row so going in green on the oars isn’t a problem. Just know your drift boat etiquette because you’re one of hundreds out on the water.

[Wayne J.]

Mike,

I fished there last summer and stayed in the state campground right below the dam. I didn’t have a boat but it would be great to be on the water and float. There were plenty of people in drift boats, poon toons and tubes. That being said I just found places I could fish from the shore.

Be prepared as they have big fish and you will see schools of them. Reminded me of bluefishing as a kid. Just because there are a ton of fish, doesn’t mean they are jumping in the boat.

A fellow camper who was fishing there for years saw tears in my eyes as fish were everywhere and I couldn’t stick one. One his way out, he gave me a hand tied Wolly Bugger which was dark green in color. Caught 2 fish in 5 cast and broke the line on the 3rd take….more tears.

Another Out-West camping/fishing place you may want to consider is:
– Madison Campground in Yellowstone,
– (I forget the campground but it was a mile from downtown) Mammoth Lakes, CA,
– Pagosa Springs Riverside Campground in Pagosa Springs, CO
– Rio Guadalupe Resort, New Braunfels, Texas (most southern place in US to catch trout – Careful when you go as the Bikini/Tuber hatch will ruin your day).

Hope this is helpful.

Wayne

[Mike Livingstone]

Mike,
The Missouri is a fantastic fishery. I’ve been lucky enough to fish it on four different trips. By far the best time we had was during tha caddis hatch in July. The guys at Cross Currents are great. Enjoy the food at Issacs if you go.

[Mike Tolbert]

Thanks for the feedback Mike.

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