The River Hub
FLY FISHING HEADQUARTERS
The River Hub
Craig, MT
The United States enjoys an abundant supply of navigable waterways. From north to south and east to west, rivers driven by gravity make efficient bulk shipping from ocean ports to inland metropolitan areas possible.
In the late 1800’s, railways extended shipping ports’ reach by linking rural America with trains.
CRAIG, MONTANA - Est., 1888
Railroad tracks fit the Missouri River’s smooth stream banks perfectly. Great Northern Railway recognized this natural advantage and chose the Township of Craig as a central staging zone between Great Falls and Helena. Steam engines came to a slow stop in front of Lot 1 Block 1 and took on water from the tower next to the tracks.
History followed.
Homesteaders helped build the township into a small business district. Sterling Ranch Company loaded their livestock onto cattle cars headed towards larger markets. Craig Mercantile received hardware and groceries and distributed them locally. Next door, The Hub Saloon entertained guests in an authentic, old western style, dance hall. Dearborn Crossing no longer greeted stagecoaches and suspiciously burned to the ground.
One-hundred years later, Burlington Northern stopped using the outdated pathway. The tracks remain, but paved roads and airways took over their jobs. The Post Office replaced horses and trains with Ford Model T's. Since the early 1990’s, fly fishing replaced railway driven commerce. Each season, the hidden luster of The River Hub draws anglers in. When it’s over, Uncle Joe’s Bar chugs along making more history as usual. Population: Roughly 39.
Railroad tracks follow one side of the river. When you get off the plane, grab your luggage, pick up your rental car and experience the other side. When you’re about twenty minutes from The River Hub, exit Interstate Highway 15 onto Old US Hwy 91. Enjoy stunning scenery while you slowly meander along the world’s largest spring creek. See how time has traveled, but managed to keep the area’s beauty intact. When you land in Craig, you'll immediately know that you made it to the right place.
Step off the pathways and into the world's largest spring creek.
Steam Engines rolled on the river trail for a century. Now, Fly Fishermen walk the empty rails.
