Current River
river in Missouri
The Current River flows through the Ozarks with miles of public access, producing hard-fighting smallmouth and shoal bass; popular for drift-boat and wade anglers alike.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Smallmouth
- 01Smallmouth, Largemouth, and Rock Bass are actively foraging.
- 02Target deeper pools, current breaks, and rocky structure.
- 03Crayfish and baitfish imitations are particularly effective.
- 04Nymphs mimicking larger aquatic insects can also be productive.
- 05Topwater action may still occur on warmer, sunny afternoons, particularly in shaded areas.
Past reports week by week
10 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Woolly Bugger (Olive) (Bass)
A classic and versatile streamer, effective for fall bass and panfish as they feed on leeches and baitfish in cooling waters.
Articulated Drunk Sculpin
Sculpin patterns are excellent for fall bass, imitating larger baitfish that predatory bass key on in cooling waters.
Clouser Minnow (Bass) (Chartreuse/White)
Effectively imitates baitfish, a primary food source for predatory bass in the fall.
Crayfish (Fly) (Olive/Rust)
Crayfish are a primary food source for bass in rocky river environments, making this a crucial subsurface pattern in fall.
Hellgrammite Fly
Hellgrammites are a consistent food source for smallmouth and rock bass in rocky rivers year-round, making this a reliable subsurface pattern for fall.
Mop Fly
This grub/larvae imitation is a versatile searching pattern, effective for various species including bass and panfish throughout the fall.
Where to fish and who to ask
Powder Mill Ferry Access
Well-known put-in/take-out with productive nearby shoals for smallmouth sight-fishing.
Round Spring/Big Springs Area
Convergence of spring outlets and current leading to excellent summer smallmouth fishing and deep pool holding water.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Eleven Point Fly Fishing
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Missouri season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
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Felt vs. Rubber Sole Wading Boots: What's Legal Where
Essential guide to felt vs. rubber sole wading boots, plus state-by-state regulations to keep you legal on the water.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
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Fly Tying Essentials – Tools Materials & First Patterns to Learn
Master fly tying fundamentals with essential tools, materials, and beginner patterns that catch fish consistently.
Best Fly Fishing States for Beginners: Where to Start
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Quick answers
Common questions about Current River.
What flies work best on Current River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Current River right now are Mop Fly #12 (80% confidence), San Juan Worm (80% confidence), Clouser Minnow (Bass) (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Current River?
Current River holds Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Rock Bass. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Current River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Current River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.