Missouri River Fishing Report
Date: 01/05/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Missouri River is one of the most reliable places to fish right now. As a tailwater, it’s handled the colder weather well and remains open and clear. Wind has been the biggest challenge lately, but when it backs off, fishing from late morning into the afternoon has been very consistent.
Subsurface fishing has been doing nearly all the work. Scuds and sowbugs have been the foundation, with zebra midges and small mayfly nymphs working well as the second fly. A 9-foot fluorocarbon leader of 4X has been a solid setup for most situations. Getting flies down to the right depth has mattered far more than changing patterns.
Trout have been set up in deeper water where the current stays even. Spending time fishing those areas carefully has been more effective than covering a lot of water. This has been a river that rewards patience during the winter.
Streamer fishing is still an option, especially during the warmest part of the day, but it hasn’t been necessary to rely on. Nymphing has been far more consistent overall.
Dry-fly activity has been limited. Midges are around, and there have been short windows of surface activity on calmer days, but it hasn’t been something to plan around.
Overall, the Missouri River remains a strong winter choice. Start later in the day, be prepared for wind, and keep your approach simple for the most consistent results.
Additional Resources:
- Sowbugs and Scuds For Fly Fishing the Missouri
- Fly Fishing Bozeman In Winter
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Tailwater Sowbug Jig
Red San Juan Worm
Dark Olive Spanish Perdigon
Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug
Black Zebra Midge
White Zonker
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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