Montana
Missouri River below Holter Dam near Wolf Creek
Location Snapshot
Below Holter Dam near Wolf Creek, the Missouri becomes a broad, cold tailwater flowing through north-central Montana toward the canyon country downstream. Rainbow and brown trout define this large-river fishery, with long flats, riffles, and deep runs creating a distinctly different trout setting from smaller Montana streams.
Current River Rating
Fair · 60
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Consider
Recommended Window
Wednesday, 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Why
- Water temperature is within the preferred trout range.
- Air temperature is comfortable for a river trout trip.
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
Timing Evidence
Window confidence: High
Current Readings
- Flow
- 2900 CFS
- Gage Height
- 3 ft
- Water Temperature
- 53.4 °F
- Observation Time
- Oct 21, 2026, 9:45 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 06066500 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
48°F
Feels like
41°F
Wind
9 mph SE
Wind gust
10 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 21, 2026, 4:15 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Wed 5 AM
Clear
Temp 48°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 9 mph
Wed 9 AM
Clear
Temp 49°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 8 mph
Wed 1 PM
Clear
Temp 65°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 11 mph
Wed 5 PM
Clear
Temp 70°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Wed 9 PM
Overcast
Temp 59°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Thu 1 AM
Overcast
Temp 56°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 9 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 70°F / Low 47°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 18 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Overcast
High 73°F / Low 52°F
Chance 8%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 22 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Showers
High 55°F / Low 37°F
Chance 96%
Precip 0.55 in
Max gust 20 mph
Sat, Oct 24
Drizzle
High 48°F / Low 27°F
Chance 59%
Precip 0.01 in
Max gust 13 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
Wild brown and rainbow trout are in the Missouri River below Holter Dam near Wolf Creek.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Missouri River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Unknown
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Mixed flow regime
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
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Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Lewis and Clark, Montana
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Lewis and Clark
Management Category
Wild trout tailwater
Regulation Scope
Missouri River below Holter Dam near Wolf Creek.
Regulation Summary
Missouri below Holter Dam: FWP Central District regulations unless an Exception applies. Confirm current closures.
Target Species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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