Craig, Montana History - Est., 1888

James Jerome Hill, primary stockholder and president of the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railway (StPM&M), established the Montana Central Railway on January 25, 1886. Few railroads served Montana then. Butte and Helena needed to get their newfound gold and silver riches to market. Canadian coal companies were eager to get their fuel to Montana smelters. James Hill's plans included building StPM&M across northern Montana and building a north-south railroad through central Montana to connect Great Falls with Helena and Butte.

Railroad tracks fit the Missouri River’s smooth stream banks perfectly and provided a direct north-south route. Montana Central Railway built upon this natural feature. Along the way, they chose the Township of Craig as a central staging zone between Great Falls and Helena. Starting in 1887, steam engines came to a slow stop in front of Block 1 Lot 1 and took on water from the tower next to the tracks. In 1888, trains delivered covered wagons to Craig Mercantile located on the property. On September 18, 1889, Hill changed the name of the Minneapolis and St. Cloud Railway to the Great Northern Railway. History followed.

Homesteaders helped build the township of Craig into a small business district located in the heart of the wild west. 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, the local stagecoach stop, no longer greeted covered wagons and suspiciously burned to the ground.

Craig, Montana - Adventure, Danger, Romance and a few fish.

Steam Engines rolled on the river trail for a century. Now, Fly Fishermen walk the empty rails.

The Trout Shop Lodge

In 1989 the Trout Shop took over the original Craig Mercantile building and The Trout Shop we know today was born.  Today at the The Trout Shop Lodge we offer 6 eclectic rooms suited for the most authentic Craig fly fishing experience available.  You can stay at Block 1 Lot 1 in the center of Craig, MT and a rocks toss from the boat ramp.  In the mornings it's only a 100 yard walk down to The Trout Shop where you can get a hot breakfast and the best espresso in Montana at Westslope Coffee Co.  In the evenings we offer dinner reservations for anyone staying at the lodge as well as a selection of cocktails, beer, and wine.  We will have dinner ready for you when you get off the water.