Missouri River Fishing Report
Date: 02/12/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Missouri River is fishing well and remains one of the more stable options in the state right now. Winter conditions are in place, but the river is providing steady opportunities for anglers willing to fish during the right window.
Late morning through mid-afternoon has been the most productive stretch. Early mornings have been slow, and most of the action has come once the day warms slightly.
Nymphing has been the best. Midge patterns have accounted for the majority of the fish, with zebra midges and other small, dark patterns producing consistently. Small sow bugs and scud patterns have also been effective, especially in deeper buckets and slower runs. Fishing enough weight to stay near the bottom has been important.
Dry fly fishing has offered limited but real opportunity. On calmer days, midges have brought some fish to the surface during the warmest part of the afternoon. The window has not been long, but anglers watching for subtle rises have been able to find a few fish up.
Streamer fishing has been slower overall. A few fish have been willing to move on overcast afternoons, but it has not been as consistent as subsurface fishing.
Overall, the Missouri is offering dependable winter fishing with a clear focus on nymphing. Plan around the middle of the day, keep your approach dialed in, and adjust based on wind and light conditions.
Additional Resources:
- Sowbugs and Scuds For Fly Fishing the Missouri
- Fly Fishing Bozeman In Winter
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Tailwater Sowbug Jig
Red San Juan Worm
White Zonker
Dark Olive Spanish Perdigon
Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug
Black Zebra Midge
Olive Tailwater Tiny
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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