Missouri River Fishing Report
Date: 07/25/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Missouri River below Holter Dam is in classic late July form. Steady, clear, and packed with opportunity for anglers who are willing to fish thoughtfully. Morning water temps are sitting in the low 60s, and flows have been stable throughout the week, making for consistent trout behavior and reliable fishing windows.
The spinner fall is pulling pods of selective trout into the flats and side seams, and they’re feeding with precision. If you’re bringing long leaders, 5x tippet, CDC spinners and small emergers in sizes 18 to 22 are getting eats. Many of these fish are nice strong browns.
Nymphing remains productive through the heat of the day. Focus on inside bends, riffles, drop-offs, and mid-river structure. Perdigons, split-case PMDs, and caddis larvae have been producing in deeper runs and along submerged structure. The bite can stay steady all day if you adjust depth and weight based on light and current speed.
By late afternoon, the surface bite can reignite.
Caddis are fluttering along the banks, and we have been seeing the first real signs of terrestrial action. Ants, beetles, and hoppers are drawing interest, especially along grassy edges and back channels. Hopper dropper rigs are a great way to cover that water until the evening light fades.
Overall, the Missouri River is in great shape. The bugs are there, the fish are active, and the river is giving back what you put into it. If you’re thoughtful in your approach and flexible throughout the day, you’ll find fish. But it’s not automatic.
Additional Resources:
- Missouri River fly fishing in July
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
PMD Crackback
PMD Sparkle Dun
Peacock Elk Hair Caddis
Little Green Machine
Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug
Double Wing Trico Spinner
Rusty Profile Spinner
CDC Trico Spinner
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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