Missouri River Fishing Report
Date: 11/24/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Missouri River is offering good fishing right now. The tailwater has been fishing well throughout the colder days and is one of the better options for a day of consistent fishing. Water clarity is good, flows are manageable, and you’ll find fewer anglers out there.
Nymphing remains the most reliable method. Patterns like tailwater sowbugs, scuds, and small perdigons are catching attention when fished near the bottom, trailed by zebra midges, little green machines, or baetis nymphs. A 9-foot fluorocarbon leader of 3X or 4X is a strong all-round setup, and running 4X fluorocarbon from the first fly to the second makes the rig more balanced.
Streamer fishing has been worth doing during cloudy periods. Patterns such as sparkle minnows, goldies, and smaller sculpin or baitfish imitations have been getting chooses when worked through deeper runs and near structure. A 5- to 6-foot leader of heavier fluorocarbon (1X or 0X) gives you better turnover for these flies.
Dry-fly chances are fewer but still around. On overcast afternoons you may spot blue-winged olives or midges, and the occasional trout has been taking dries in the softer seams and side channels. Carry a couple size 18–20 parachute or emerger patterns to cover those brief windows.
The Missouri remains a dependable late-season option near Bozeman. Plan for a later start, stick with a solid nymph setup for most of the day, and bring a streamer rod for the cloudier stretches. It’s a solid time to be on the river before winter really settles in.
Additional Resources:
- Sowbugs and Scuds For Fly Fishing the Missouri
- Bozeman Fly Fishing In November
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Tailwater Sowbug Jig
Dark Olive Spanish Perdigon
Black Zebra Midge
White Zonker
Olive Tailwater Tiny
Red San Juan Worm
Tailwater Sowbug
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.
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