Missouri River Fishing Report
Date: 09/05/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Missouri River continues to be solid, but it isn’t easy. For anglers who know the system and understand the nuances of this time of year, there’s still plenty of opportunity. Tricos are still providing some morning dry-fly chances, though it can be hit or miss depending on the day. Long leaders with 5x are a must for those looking to headhunt rising trout in the slicks, but as the sun climbs higher, most anglers are finding more consistency below the surface. Nymphing is the go-to tactic right now, with the usual challenge of cleaning weeds off your flies every few drifts.
Nymph rigs with a rubber-leg or zirdle up top, followed by sowbugs, frenchies, or silver beadhead perdigons, are producing consistently in slower seams and deeper runs. Trout are holding tight to softer water, and success comes down to getting a nice, long drift.
Hoppers are still worth fishing. Size 10–12 foam hoppers—thunder thighs, morrish hoppers, or sweetgrass hoppers, fished slowly over deep buckets and tight against rock walls have been getting the attention from opportunistic feeders. They’re not chasing them aggressively, but a well-placed cast can still get eaten.
Streamers remain a situational option with weeds limiting the game. Early mornings, evenings, or overcast periods mid-day have been the most productive. Sculpin-style streamers in olive, black, or natural are moving fish when worked through buckets with short casts and quicker retrieves.
Additional Resources:
- Missouri River fly fishing in September
- Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide to September
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Tailwater Sowbug
Tan Morrish Hopper
Golden Thunder Thigh Hopper
Black Zebra Midge
Deer Hair Ant
Dark Olive Spanish Perdigon
Tailwater Sowbug Jig
Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug
Missouri River Fly Fishing in Craig Montana
Our "Missouri River Fishing Guide" is a comprehensive guide to the river stretches and seasonal hatches along with pro tips from our seasoned team of Bozeman fly fishing guides.
Additional Missouri River Fly Fishing Resources
Montana River Shuttles
Post Date: 03/29/2025
River shuttle services are an integral part of the Montana fly fishing scene as floating these legendary western rivers is the standard way to fish and experience them. Be sure...
Learn MoreMontana Fly Fishing Trip Photo Galleries
Post Date: 03/29/2025
Get a glimpse into a day of guided fly fishing in Montana from the viewpoint of the guides and guests with Bozeman fly fishing outfitter, Fins and Feathers Guide Service...
Learn MoreMissouri River Guided Fly Fishing Trips
Post Date: 03/29/2025
Fly fish the Missouri River, near Craig, Montana with Fins and Feathers Guide Service from early April through mid-June for some of the best fly fishing in Montana. Fantastic nymph...
Learn MoreMissouri River Fly Fishing Area Map
Related Articles From The Montana Fly Fishing Blog
Category: Missouri River Information
Montana Fly Fishing the Early Season on the Missouri River
Post Date: 09/27/2024
Prime season for fly fishing near Craig, Montana, on the Missouri River kicks into gear around April 15 and runs through early July. The season begins with blanket hatches of...
Read Article
Category: The Best Fly Fishing
Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide To May
Post Date: 04/26/2025
Expect ever-changing conditions, unpredictable weather, and some incredible dry fly fishing during the Mother's Day caddis hatch when it all comes together, just right for the anglers fly fishing in...
Read Article