Missouri River Fishing Report
Date: 04/13/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Missouri River is a good option right now, especially around Craig. The river is clear and fishing like you’d expect for this time of year. Fish are set up in the slower flats and longer runs, and they’re feeding. It’s more about staying on those zones and making good drifts than covering a lot of water.
Nymphing has been the most consistent approach. Sow bugs and scuds paired with zebra midges or small baetis nymphs have been producing. Keep your rig simple and get it down. If you’re not getting into the bottom, add a little weight before changing flies.
Dry fly fishing has been the highlight when conditions line up. Midges are the main player, and you’ll find fish up in pods in the late morning into the afternoon. There are some BWOs starting to show as well. Long leaders and clean presentations matter more than fly choice.
Streamer fishing has been slower overall, but still worth mixing in on cloud cover. Smaller patterns fished slow have been better than bigger flies.
The Missouri is in a good place right now. Stay patient, fish clean, and take advantage of the dry fly windows when they show.
Additional Resources:
- Sowbugs and Scuds For Fly Fishing the Missouri
- Fly Fishing Bozeman In April
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Black Zebra Midge
Gray Sprout Midge
Tailwater Sowbug
Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug
Tailwater Sowbug Jig
White Zonker
Red San Juan Worm
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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