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Missouri River Fishing Report

Date: 07/29/2026
Posted by: Toby Swank

Current Conditions

The Missouri River is a great option right now for technical dry fly fishing. Trico fishing has been the main event during the morning, with fish feeding steadily on spinner falls before the sun gets high. As the day progresses, caddis and terrestrial patterns have been producing fish along grassy banks and faster riffles.

Dry flies have been the best option during the morning. Fish tricos early, then switch to caddis, ants, or small hoppers as the hatch changes. If fish stop feeding on top, a two-nymph rig with a zebra midge, sowbug, or small perdigon will keep fish coming to the net.

The best fishing has been from first light through late morning, with another good window during the evening. Midday can still produce fish, but anglers willing to fish the low-light periods have been seeing the most consistent action.

The Missouri remains one of the best choices for anglers looking for dependable fishing. Expect technical dry fly opportunities early, with nymphing becoming more productive as the day goes on.

Additional Resources:

 - The Best Bozeman Fly Fishing in July

Stream Flows

View stream flow graph on USGS

Recommended Flies

				  PMD Comparadun flies float high and are easy for anglers fishing in Montana.

PMD Comparadun

				  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

				  Sparkle Dun BRF PMD

PMD Sparkle Dun

				  Sprout Midge Gry

Gray Sprout Midge

				  Tailwater tiny olive

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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