Missouri River Fishing Report
Date: 05/26/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Missouri River has been fishing really well lately and continues to be one of the more consistent options in the region. Water temperatures are climbing with the warmer weather, and fish have been feeding actively throughout most of the day.
Nymphing has been productive, especially through the longer flats and softer runs. Smaller pheasant tail-style nymphs, sow bugs, and baetis nymphs have all been producing fish consistently. Most anglers finding success have been keeping flies down and covering water thoroughly instead of changing patterns constantly.
The dry fly fishing has also been good lately. BWOs and midges are still around, and there have been a few March Browns showing up during the afternoons as well. When fish get keyed in on the March Browns, there can be some really good windows of rising fish through the softer seams and slower water. Caddis should not be far off either with the warmer weather sticking around.
Streamer fishing has also been worthwhile, especially during cloud cover or lower light periods. White patterns have been moving fish, along with more natural olive and rainbow-colored streamers depending on the conditions.
The Missouri is in a really good place right now and offers a little bit of everything at the moment between nymphing, dry flies, and streamer fishing.
Additional Resources:
- Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide To May
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
BWO Hi-Vis Parachute
Tailwater Sowbug
Black Zebra Midge
BWO Sparkle Dun
White Zonker
Gray Sprout Midge
Tailwater Sowbug Jig
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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