Missouri River Fishing Report
Date: 11/05/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Missouri River is fishing well this week. Clear conditions and brisk mornings with mild afternoons have created solid windows of opportunity, especially from Highwood down through Craig and the Wolf Creek section.
Nymphing remains the most productive method. Patterns like sowbugs, duracells, warrior perdigons and small frenchies are working as lead flies, often followed by zebra midges or small baetis nymphs. A 9-foot fluorocarbon leader in the 3X to 4X range is a reliable setup for most conditions here — shorten to about 7.5 feet if visibility is high or current picks up.
Streamer fishing is offering good potential on overcast days or when wind drops. Natural-toned baitfish and sculpin patterns in olive, tan or black are showing up in deeper runs or near bank cover. For streamers, a shorter 5- to 6-foot leader of 1X or 0X fluorocarbon allows for better control with larger flies under clear conditions.
Dry-fly chances are increasing as blue-winged olives and midges continue to appear on calm afternoons. While rises are not constant, having a handful of parachute or emerger flies in size 18–20 can make the difference when fish move toward the surface.
Overall, the Missouri is a strong late-season option right now. Nymphing delivers the bulk of the action, streamers are producing when the light and wind align, and surface opportunities are emerging for anglers who are watching the water.
Additional Resources:
- Sowbugs and Scuds For Fly Fishing the Missouri in October
- Bozeman Fly Fishing in October
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Black Zebra Midge
Red San Juan Worm
Dark Olive Spanish Perdigon
Tailwater Sowbug Jig
Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug
Olive Tailwater Tiny
Tailwater Sowbug
White Zonker
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.
Additional Missouri River Fly Fishing Resources
Montana River Shuttles
Post Date: 03/29/2025
River shuttle services are an integral part of the Montana fly fishing scene as floating these legendary western rivers is the standard way to fish and experience them. Be sure...
Learn MoreMontana Fly Fishing Trip Photo Galleries
Post Date: 03/29/2025
Get a glimpse into a day of guided fly fishing in Montana from the viewpoint of the guides and guests with Bozeman fly fishing outfitter, Fins and Feathers Guide Service...
Learn MoreMissouri River Guided Fly Fishing Trips
Post Date: 03/29/2025
Fly fish the Missouri River, near Craig, Montana with Fins and Feathers Guide Service from early April through mid-June for some of the best fly fishing in Montana. Fantastic nymph...
Learn MoreMissouri River Fly Fishing Area Map
Related Articles From The Montana Fly Fishing Blog
Category: Bozeman Fly Fishing Trip Planning, Tips on Flyfishing Montana Rivers
A Simple Fly Fishing Guide to Montana
Post Date: 04/05/2024
Fly fishing Montana can feel intimidating. Numerous books detail intricate variables and complicated approaches to catching trout in this vast state......
Read Article
Category: Bozeman Fly Fishing Trip Planning
Montana Fly Fishing the Early Season on the Missouri River
Post Date: 09/27/2024
Prime season for fly fishing near Craig, Montana, on the Missouri River kicks into gear around April 15 and runs through early July. The season begins with blanket hatches of...
Read Article
Category: The Best Fly Fishing
Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide To May
Post Date: 04/26/2025
Expect ever-changing conditions, unpredictable weather, and some incredible dry fly fishing during the Mother's Day caddis hatch when it all comes together, just right for the anglers fly fishing in...
Read Article