Craig, MT

[BLJ]

Headed there in September to do some fishing.
Going to be tent camping (as of now) and we’re needing recommendations on sites close to or in Craig.
Showers and restrooms are a must.
Appreciate any help. Thanks

 

[huntsman22]

The river is your bathtub, the whole area is your toilet......

 

[Esteban]

https://myfwp.mt.gov/fishMT/fas/39753694

Lots of fwp fishing access sites long the river. Some allow camping. None with showers that I'm aware of. Check with the local outfitters, they might have some options. Stayed in a little fisherman's motel setup in wolf creek ~10 years ago. $50 bucks a night, very basic...guessing it'll be pricier now.

 

[rogerdoger]

Last time I stayed in a room in Craig I ended up with scabies. Fishing was good though.

 

[406flyfish]

I’m not aware of any primitive camping in Craig that offer showers.. Try calling Head Hunters in Craig.

Camp spots at the boat launch in Craig and at the dam, but it’s small and only has a bathroom.

Your best bet is to pony up and get a motel.

http://www.troutmontana.com/

 

[Stache Attack]

Just rent a little cabin from head hunters. I don’t know if I’d believe the scabies or maybe it was clean there because he got scabies… Some good bars in Craig but the tenders might give you them.

Primitive camp is very available with state, forest, and fwp spots. No showers and only pot toilets. If you think you stink just hit up a guide for some leaf and you’ll forget about it.

 

[BLJ]

I’m not aware of any primitive camping in Craig that offer showers.. Try calling Head Hunters in Craig.

Camp spots at the boat launch in Craig and at the dam, but it’s small and only has a bathroom.

Your best bet is to pony up and get a motel.

http://www.troutmontana.com/

Have you stayed there recently? Any idea on rates? Thanks.

 

[406flyfish]

Give them a call. Probably 125.00 A night. That’s probably the cheapest option around unless you want to stay in Great Falls or Helena and spend a good chunk of time driving every day. I’m assuming you’ll be floating and not wading ?

 

[BLJ]

Floating at least one day. Maybe two.
Then wading one or maybe two.
Budget will dictate that.
As it will the rest of the trip.

 

[406flyfish]

If your open to suggestions.. I would recommend the Madison River over the Mo.

Logistically easier to get with how close BZN airport is.

More conducive to wading compared to the Mo. Options in town to rent a drift boat or raft for DIY floats.


More restaurants, bars and other things to do than fish.

More affordable lodging options. Probably a few places that offer tent camping with amenities like showers, full bathrooms and WiFi.

Madison and the Mo are high traffic areas but depending on when in September, you should have some solitude..

Another plus for Ennis is proximity to other Stillwaters and creeks. Some of the best Trout lakes in the country reside within 1.5 hours of Ennis. Gulper fishing can be excellent in early September.


I live in Ennis so if this is something of interest, I can pm you info that I won’t disclose publicly.

 

[jtevanMT]

Contact CrossCurrents Fly Shop in Craig for lodging, raft rental, and guide options. I was just there this weekend after renting gear from them for a Smith River float trip. They were professional and very helpful.

 

[BLJ]

We’re considering other options now.
When we started looking a little deeper into Craig, I don’t think it’s the best option for what we’re wanting to accomplish with our trip, skill level and budget at this time.

The float trip is probably off the table and we’re looking into the Madison area for some better wading options.
Maybe make into Yellowstone for a day.

Basically trying to jam a lifetime of western fishing and sightseeing into about 5 days.