Missouri River Fishing Report
Date: 09/02/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Missouri River continues to be solid, but it isn't easy. For those who are familiar with the river system and this time of the year, there is still plenty of opportunity. Fishing long leaders with 5x is a necessity for those looking to still try and do some headhunting in the mornings, and nymphing throughout the day means cleaning salad off of your flies every other drift.
Nymphing with a rubber-leg or zirdle pattern up top, followed by a sowbug, frenchie, or perdigon below. These setups are consistently producing in deeper runs and slower seams through the day, but the real challenge comes from trying to get a clean drift.
Hoppers are still getting attention, though it’s less of a main event and more of a bonus. Size 10 to 12 foam hoppers, thunder thighs, sweetgrass, or morrish hoppers, fished near grassy banks and shallow drop-offs, can catch fish that aren’t keyed in on the tiny stuff. Just don’t expect them to chase as aggressively—they’re more opportunistic right now.
Streamer fishing is limited by weeds, but it can still work in low-light conditions like early morning or evening. sculpin-style streamers in natural colors have been getting some attention when fished through buckets with a short cast and fast retrieve.
Additional Resources:
- Missouri River fly fishing in September
- Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide to September
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Dark Olive Spanish Perdigon
Golden Thunder Thigh Hopper
Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug
Deer Hair Ant
Tailwater Sowbug Jig
Black Zebra Midge
Tailwater Sowbug
Tan Morrish Hopper
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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