Missouri River Fishing Report
Date: 08/31/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Missouri River fishing is still great, but anglers have been doing best by staying flexible. Hopper fishing has been good during the middle of the day, while pseudos are still bringing fish to the surface on cooler mornings and overcast days. Weed growth has picked up, so expect to clean your flies throughout the day.
If fish are rising, stay with dries. Henneberry and Morrish hoppers have been good choices, and a small ant is worth trying if fish get selective. When the surface bite slows, switch to a zirdle bug with a Frenchie, zebra midge, Rainbow Warrior perdigon, or tailwater sowbug underneath. Most of the better nymph fishing has been in the faster riffles and deeper buckets.
The Missouri is still one of the most dependable rivers in the state. Don't be afraid to change flies if fish stop eating—what works in one run hasn't always been working in the next.
Additional Resources:
- Bozeman Fly Fishing Report | August 2026 Montana Conditions
Stream Flows
View stream flow graph on USGS
Recommended Flies
PMD Comparadun
Tailwater Sowbug Jig
Tailwater Sowbug
Black Zebra Midge
White Zonker
PMD Sparkle Dun
Gray Sprout Midge
Olive Tailwater Tiny
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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