Missouri River Fishing Report
Our Missouri River fishing report comes to you straight from our experience on the water. We are on the Missouri River fly fishing daily during the season and have the tips, tactics, and fly selections to help you catch fish. Stay up-to-date with the Missouri River fishing report straight from our Montana fly shop.
QUALITY RATING
Full details Below
July 10, 2026
CURRENT REPORT
The Missouri has fished well this summer. Fishing has changed on the MO as we cruise through July. Daily high temperatures are knocking on the door of 90 (even 100) degrees. This means fishing early has been best, with a mid-day lull.
The main focus on the Missouri has been the trico hatch. Spinner falls mid-morning have created some amazing dry fly opportunities. Trico Clusters and spinners in sizes #18-22, Rusty Spinners and even caddis dry flies like the Translucent Emerger or HF Caddis are fooling these picky fish. Light tippet and long leaders for these picky risers (5x and 6x.)
Terrestrial fishing just starting to pick up on the Missouri, too. Anglers are catching fish on ant and hopper patterns like the CFO Ant, Glitter Ant, Henneberry Hopper and Morrish Hopper. Focus along cutbanks and grassy over-hangs with your hopper.
Nymphing has been successful, but the river is starting to get weedy. Keep this in mind as your finding the right depth. Jig Zirdles, Frenchies, Purple Wt Fly, Drowned Spinners, Blow Torches, and Perdigons in purple and fl. olive/orange have ben catching fish. Nymphers are finding success both focussing mid-river and short-leashing in shallow water and eddies. Look for the quicker water to find more actively feeding fish (especially in the afternoon.)
Swinging and stripping streamers has proved productive, but difficult with the weeds. Kreelex and Sparkle Minnows, Peanut Envies, Dungeons and other heavy, quick-sinking flashy streamers will produce fish. Focus along the banks and along structure when streamer fishing the MO, but don't neglect the deep buckets and riffles mid-river.
Looking Forward
The "dog days" of summer are creeping upon us. Getting out early will be in your best interest for the forseeable future.
FEATURED FLIES
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MISSOURI RIVER Flows & Conditions
Know before you go! Understand current Missouri River flows, temperature, and conditions before hitting the water.
Missouri River FLOWS @ Toston, MT
Missouri River FLOWS @ Below Hauser Dam, MT
Missouri River FLOWS @ Below Holter Dam Near Wolf Creek, MT
Missouri River FLOWS @ Cascade, MT
Missouri River FLOWS @ Great Falls, MT
Missouri River FLOWS @ Fort Benton, MT
Craig, MT WEATHER FORECAST
See the Missouri River fishing report weather forecast for the next 7-days. For more information on the forecast or detailed weather data, please visit NOAA Weather Data – Craig, Montana.
