Welcome to Craig, Montana
Craig is a one-street town with a big reputation: one of the best fly-fishing bases in the country. Anglers travel here from across the globe to fish the Missouri River below Holter Dam, a tailwater famous for its steady flows and prolific hatches.
When the fishing is done, Craig offers just enough — cold drinks, good food, a handful of shops, and the laid-back feel of a community built around the river. Stonefly Grill is proud to be part of that fabric, serving locals and visitors alike.
Where the River Shapes the Town
Tucked into the heart of Big Sky Country, Craig, Montana is more than a dot on the map—it’s a flyfishing haven and a home base for anglers from around the world. Located just off Interstate 15, Craig sits 43 miles north of Helena and 47 miles southwest of Great Falls, surrounded by cottonwood trees, canyon walls, and some of the best trout water in North America.
With an estimated population of just under 50 people, Craig is small, but it pulses with the energy of the river and the rhythm of the seasons. In the warmer months, the town comes alive with flyfishers, drift boats, and riverside stories. And when the fishing day winds down, Craig becomes a place to reconnect, refuel, and relax—often over a good meal, a cold drink, and a view of the water.
Craig owes its origins to the Missouri River. Founded in 1886 by pioneers Warren and Eliza Craig, the town started as a homestead and gold claim. Its location along the Montana Central Railway made it a key stop for steam locomotives and helped build a small but strong community. A post office, depot, and hotel followed, and for a while, Craig looked like it was destined for growth.
But in 1908, a devastating flood caused by a catastrophic break in an up-river dam, swept through the area, destroying the town’s water tower and rail lines. The damage was so severe that many residents left. Still, Craig held on. Some stayed, rebuilt, and adapted. And over time, the town found new purpose—not in mining or railroads, but in the river itself.
The nearby Holter Dam, completed in the early 20th century, created a tailwater fishery that would eventually become one of the most renowned stretches of trout water in the country. As word spread among anglers, Craig quietly transformed into a flyfishing mecca.
Where the Lines Are Tight
and the Tables Are Full
That’s where Stonefly Grill comes in.
As one of Craig’s local restaurants, we serve more than just meals—we serve the people who make this town what it is. Whether you’re coming off a full day on the water or just stopping through on your Montana road trip, our restaurant is a place to relax, recharge, and share stories from the river. You’ll find cold drinks, hearty dishes, and a laid-back atmosphere that reflects the soul of the town itself.
We welcome families visiting for a weekend escape, guides or flyfishers coming off the river with big smiles and fish tales, or one of our beloved locals. No dress code here—just muddy boots, sunburned noses, and good company.
The Drift Boat Capital
Today, Craig is known as a true flyfishing town. It’s not unusual to see more drift boats than cars. With easy access to dozens of miles of world-class water, three boat launches, and prolific insect hatches, the Missouri River here is a bucket-list destination for serious anglers. Trout average 16 to 18 inches, and the catch rates are among the highest in the West.
Fly shops, outfitters, guides, and river shuttles anchor the local economy, supporting a seasonal influx of anglers and outdoor lovers. But Craig is more than just a gear-up-and-go stop—it’s a community built around river culture. And every great fishing town needs great food and gathering places.
Small Town, Big Character
Despite its size—just 0.36 square miles and fewer than 50 year-round residents—Craig continues to punch above its weight. Thanks to a 4% resort tax and new infrastructure investments like a modern sewer system, the town is preparing for its future while staying true to its past.
Most amenities here are built around the fishing industry: a handful of fly shops, lodging options, bars, and guide services. But the people who live and work here year-round take pride in more than just trout—they take pride in community, in hospitality, and in keeping Craig a place where visitors feel welcome and locals feel grounded.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re here for a long weekend of casting dry (or wet) flies or simply passing through on the scenic Missouri River corridor, Craig offers a one-of-a-kind Montana experience—and we’re proud to be part of it.
Stop by for a meal and a break from the sun. Sit back, swap stories, and enjoy the kind of town where a handshake still means something and the river is always calling.
We’ll have a table ready.
Craig Fly / Trout Shops
(no particular order)
Cross Currents Fly Shop
The Trout Shop
Headhunters Fly Shop
