Missouri River Fly Fishing Reports
Missouri River Fishing Report 8/28/20
Current Conditions
The Missouri river is moving slow and warm right now. The best fishing is found near Craig below the dam. Fish are starting to become picky and less active there so nymphing small Baetis patterns, midges, and sowbugs will be your best bet. Dry fly fishing has slowed down but fish are still eating hoppers, ants, and beetles. Purple has been the go-to color but smaller tans and yellows have been getting it done as well. Streamer fishing has been slow but this should start to pick up with cooler and longer nights. Crayfish patterns are fishing decent off of banks and through the deeper runs with a Shop-Vac or a $3 Dip off the back.
COVID 19 COMMUNICATIONS – July 31, 2020
- Store capacity is limited to 5 guests
- Purchase fishing licenses online at fwp.mt.gov (we are now selling licenses as well, but ask that you try online first)
- Face coverings are mandatory – we have them available if needed.
- Respect social distancing and use provided hand sanitizer.
SPECIAL OFFERINGS
- Order online and select Pickup at checkout for curbside service
- Call us at 406-586-2188 to place your order over the phone for curbside service.
- Book a time for private shopping.
- Buy Flies online and save 20% (enter FLIES_20 at checkout in the Discount Code field)
Keep in mind you can shop all of our flies in our online store for both shipping and curbside pickup. You can also order hand-picked fly selections for the Missouri River before you head out and we'll have them ready for you to pick up!
Fins & Feathers is a full-service Bozeman fly shop and Montana fly fishing outfitter. Missouri River fly fishing trips are available year-round with our Bozeman fly fishing guides.
The Mo' near Craig will be one of the better fly fishing options. This stretch has been nymphing really well with some good Midge fishing on top as well. The BWO's won't be too far off so keep an eye out for bugs on the surface and rising trout. For sub-surface, San Juan Worms, Zebra midges, Rainbow Warriors, Scuds/Sowbugs, or smaller Perdigons will get it done. Streamers have been worth a shot but is definitely a day-to-day game. Spey fishing is also a good idea if you are wade fishing and want to reach some of those harder runs out in the middle.
Flows
2980 CFS
On 2023-03-25
Streamflow
Recommended Guided Trips
Full-Day Guided Trip
Full Day guided fly-fishing trips are our standard offering and offer the best opportunity to truly get out and experience the fly-fishing opportunities around Bozeman that attract anglers from around the world
- Typical Full Day Trips Are 6-8 Hours in Duration
- 1-2 Anglers Maximum Per Guide/Boat
- Full Day Trips Are Generally Float Trips
- Full Day Trips Available on Yellowstone, Madison, Gallatin, and Jefferson rivers
- Drive Time Is Typically 30-60 Minutes Each Way
- Fishing Licenses and Gratuities Are Not Included
Montana Fly Fishing Packages
Fins & Feathers of Bozeman’s Montana fly fishing packages offer convenience and value by bundling our guided services together with lodging options in Bozeman. Check out the example pricing - based on double occupancy in the rooms and with one of our Bozeman fly fishing guides. Email us or fill out our contact form to make a reservation and confirm availability.
Please note that availability is extremely limited during the summer, we strongly encourage you to make reservations sooner, rather than later. Our deposit policy is the "friendliest in the industry" in that we don't require payment ($1.00) at booking and all reservations can be cancelled - with no penalty up to 10 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.
These rates are guaranteed until June 1, 2022 and are likely to increase as availability decreases in both rooms and our guides fly fishing services
Learn MoreFishing Licenses and Shuttle Info
Fins & Feathers is a full-service Bozeman fly shop and Montana fly fishing outfitter. Missouri River fly fishing trips are available year-round with our Bozeman fly fishing guides.
For Yellowstone River Shuttles Contact:
CrossCurrents Fly Shop: (406) 235-3433
Headhunters Fly Shop: (406) 235-3447
Missouri River Overview
The Missouri River is formed with the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers near Three Forks, Montana. The blue-ribbon stretches of the river are generally considered downstream in the “tail-water” sections, which are formed below several reservoirs. The best trout fishing section of the Missouri River is the stretch of river downstream from Holter Lake that our guides fish in the spring and early summer. Closer to Bozeman is the stretch of the Missouri River around Toston Reservoir which is a great mid-summer Carp destination that also holds a few large trout seasonally.
