Every May, we pack up and follow the fishing to Craig, Montana. The Missouri River below Holter Dam is one of the most productive trout fisheries in the country, and May is when it’s at its best. We only offer these trips for one month out of the year, availability is limited, and they book up. If you’ve fished with us before, you know we go wherever the fishing is good. In May, that means the Mo.
Full day trips offered exlusively (6-8 hours)
$700 for the boat (accommodates 1-2 anglers)
Missouri river trips are offered in the month of May. These dates fill quickly, so don’t wait to book!
Danner spends the month of May in Craig running full-day float trips on the Missouri. You’ll drive yourself over, find your own lodging in town, and meet at the water. From there it’s the same deal as always — your guide puts you on fish, takes care of all the gear, and makes sure you have a good day. The Missouri just happens to be a different caliber of river.
Full-day trips are $700 for 1–2 anglers and include lunch and soft drinks. Only full-day trips are offered on the Missouri.
The Missouri below Holter Dam is a spring creek-style tailwater, which means predictable hatches, consistent conditions, and trout that are used to eating off the surface. May brings Pale Morning Duns, Blue Wing Olives, March Browns, and caddis — the kind of reliable hatch activity that keeps fish looking up all day.
The numbers back it up too. Around 3,000 trout per mile, most of them running 14–20 inches, with legitimate shots at 20-plus fish on any given day. It’s a special fishery, and May is when it’s firing on all cylinders.
The Missouri is primarily a rainbow and brown trout fishery. Rainbows are the bread and butter, running 14–20 inches with larger fish mixed in. Browns tend to be less frequent but can push well past 20 inches. On a good May day with hatches firing, you’ll have shots at both.
Our guides bring rods, reels, flies, and all terminal tackle — everything you need is in the boat. Here’s what to bring on your end:
A valid Montana fishing license. These are no longer sold in stores and must be purchased online through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before your trip. Download our step-by-step guide here. [PDF link]
Layered clothing appropriate for the weather. May in Craig can be warm by afternoon but cold in the morning. A rain jacket is always worth having.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The Missouri valley gets full sun and you’ll feel it.
Any snacks or beverages beyond what’s included, if you have preferences.
Missouri River trips are $700 per boat for 1–2 anglers, full day only. We can accommodate larger groups — just reach out early so we can line up guides. A 50% deposit is required to hold your date, with the remaining balance due the day of your trip.
*Prices do not include 3% credit card processing fees*
Availability is limited to the month of May. These dates go fast, so don’t wait.
To book, use any contact form on the site or call Danner directly at 406-210-3735.
Cancellation Policy: We ask that you give us as much notice as possible if your plans change. Cancellations made more than 45 days before your trip date are eligible for a deposit refund. Within 45 days, the deposit is non-refundable. Cancellations within 2 weeks of your trip date are charged the full trip amount. Our guides make their living during a short season, and we take their time seriously. We appreciate your understanding.
Where do we meet? Clients drive themselves to Craig and find their own lodging in town. Danner will connect with you ahead of time to sort out the meeting spot and plan for the day.
Do I need a fishing license? Yes. Montana fishing licenses are no longer sold in stores and must be purchased online through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before your trip. Download our step-by-step guide here. [PDF link]
What rods do you provide? Our guides bring rods, reels, and flies — everything you need to fish is taken care of. If you have your own gear you’d like to fish, bring it along.
Do you provide flies? Yes. We’ll have what’s working on the water that day. If you have favorites, bring those too.
Can I bring a larger group? Absolutely. We can accommodate larger groups on the Missouri — just reach out early so we can line up the guides to do it right.
What if I have dietary restrictions or food allergies? Just let us know when you book and we’ll make sure you’re taken care of.
I’m a beginner. Is that going to be a problem? Not at all. We guide all experience levels and will make sure you’re set up for a good day regardless of where you’re starting from.
