Missouri River
river in Montana
souvent referred to as a giant spring creek, the Missouri below Holter Dam is a dry fly angler's paradise with extremely high fish counts.
River flow last 30 days
Stable flows at 3100 cfs
- 01Stable flows at 3100 cfs, creating ideal fishing conditions.
- 02Peak fall hatches of Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) are providing ample dry fly opportunities, especially on overcast days.
- 03October Caddis are becoming a significant factor, with their larger profile enticing aggressive strikes.
- 04Consistent midge activity is present, offering reliable subsurface nymphing throughout the day.
- 05Callibaetis remain a key player during warmer afternoon hours, providing additional dry fly and emerger chances.
Past reports week by week
9 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
October Caddis (Dry)
October Caddis are at their peak in mid-October and regional reports indicate they are becoming a significant factor. This large dry fly is an excellent imitation.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Blue-Winged Olives are experiencing peak fall hatches. This low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults, especially on overcast days.
RS2
As a versatile midge/baetis emerger, the RS2 is highly effective in the surface film or as a trailer nymph during the warmest part of the day when midge activity peaks, aligning with expected fall hatches.
Zebra Midge
Strong midge hatches are expected, and midges are a primary and consistent food source in tailwaters year-round. This weighted nymph is effective for getting into the strike zone.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
A reliable year-round streamer, effective for imitating leeches and baitfish, especially in the colder fall flows, enticing aggressive strikes from predatory trout.
Schroeder’s Parachute Hopper
Terrestrial activity, particularly with grasshoppers, can still be strong in early fall along grassy banks, providing a substantial food source and serving as an excellent attractor.
Mahogany Dun
Mahogany Duns (Paraleptophlebia) are active in late summer and fall, offering dry fly opportunities for rising trout and whitefish.
Buy at AmazonFlashback Hare's Ear Nymph
A versatile and effective searching nymph, mimicking various aquatic insects active subsurface in the currents, which is crucial during fall conditions.
Where to fish and who to ask
Craig Access Site
A central hub for fly anglers near Craig, Montana, offering access to some of the best dry fly flats.
Prewett Creek Access
A popular boat ramp for those floating the lower sections toward Cascade.
Wolf Creek Bridge Access
The primary tailwater start point below Holter Dam with massive trout populations.
Fly shops within 40 miles
CrossCurrents Fly Shop
The Trout Shop
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Montana season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
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Best Fly Fishing Waders of 2025 – Breathable vs. Neoprene
Expert comparison of breathable and neoprene waders with top 2025 models for every budget and fishing condition.
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?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Quick answers
Common questions about Missouri River.
What flies work best on Missouri River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Missouri River right now are Sow Bug (95% confidence), Trico Spinner (95% confidence), Frenchie (95% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Missouri River?
Missouri River holds Rainbow Trout, Mountain Whitefish. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on Missouri River?
Live USGS streamflow readings for Missouri River are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is Missouri River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Missouri River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.