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Missouri River Fishing Report

Date: 09/14/2026
Posted by: Toby Swank

Current Conditions

The Missouri River has been in great shape with the cooler weather, and anglers have had plenty of options throughout the day. Mornings have still offered the best dry fly fishing, with blue-winged olives, midges, and a few lingering tricos bringing fish to the surface. As the day goes on, hoppers are still worth fishing along the banks, and the streamer bite has continued to improve with the cooler temperatures. 

Nymphing has been the most consistent way to stay into fish. Tailwater sowbugs, rainbow warriors, zebra midges, and frenchies have all been good choices under an indicator. If fish are feeding on top, don't force the nymph rig. There have been enough fish rising that it's worth switching over and taking advantage of the hatch.

The Missouri has a lot going on right now. Keep an eye on what the fish are doing, be willing to change techniques throughout the day, and don't overlook streamers if the clouds and wind stick around.

Additional Resources:

 - September Fishing

Stream Flows

View stream flow graph on USGS

Recommended Flies

				  Tailwater Sowbug

Tailwater Sowbug Jig

				  Tailwater Sowbug Rainbow

Tailwater Sowbug

				  Zebra Midge Black Copper

Black Zebra Midge

				  Zonkers are a top 5 fly pattern for lower Madison River fishing in dirty water.

White Zonker

				  Sprout Midge Gry

Gray Sprout Midge

				  Tailwater tiny olive

Olive Tailwater Tiny

				  Streamer fly fishing in Montana with Mini Dungeons is productive throughout the state.

Olive Mini Dungeon

				  Gonga Double Gray

Gray Gonga

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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