Missouri River Fishing Report
Date: 10/16/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Missouri River continues to provide. Carity is good from the dam through Craig. Cooler weather has kept water temps in check, and fish have been active through the middle of the day.
Nymphing remains the most consistent way to find fish. Sowbugs, scuds, and small perdigons have been steady producers, fished deep through the main runs and softer edges. Wire worms and small mayfly nymphs are also worth mixing in when flows bump a bit. Running 3x to your lead fly and 4x to the dropper has been a good setup.
Streamer fishing has been hit and miss, but it’s starting to show more promise as weeds thin and water temps drop. Smaller sculpin patterns, sparkle minnows, and thin mints have been getting some attention in deeper water and around structure. Low-light windows in the mornings or cloudy afternoons have been the best times to fish them.
Dry fly fishing is slowly improving with more BWOs starting to show on calm afternoons. Look for risers in softer seams or along foam lines when the clouds roll in. It’s not a strong hatch yet, but those windows are starting to get more consistent every day.
Overall, the Missouri River is in good shape right now. Nymphing remains the best way to stay on fish, streamer fishing is improving, and dry fly chances are beginning to pick up with the first solid BWO hatches of fall. With lighter crowds and steady weather, it’s a great time to be on the Mo.
Additional Resources:
- Sowbugs and Scuds For Fly Fishing the Missouri in October
- Bozeman Fly Fishing in October
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
White Zonker
Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug
Tailwater Sowbug Jig
Red San Juan Worm
Dark Olive Spanish Perdigon
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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