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
View stream flow graph on USGS
PMD Comparadun
Tailwater Sowbug Jig
Tailwater Sowbug
Black Zebra Midge
White Zonker
PMD Sparkle Dun
Gray Sprout Midge
Olive Tailwater Tiny
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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