June Fishing Report 

June is a fine time to be on the Missouri River. The water’s alive, the bugs are hatching, and the trout are looking up. If you’ve been waiting for the Missouri to show off, June is the month, thick hatches, rising fish, and enough daylight to make you forget what time it is. See below for a full June Fishing report

Craig to Cascade River Conditions

Flows have been bouncing around a bit but generally holding in that sweet spot. As of now, we’re seeing steady flows in the 5500 CFS range. Clarity is excellent—typical cold, clear tailwater. While we could use some more moisture the river is in good shape heading into the heart of the dry fly season.

Water temps are climbing slowly but steadily, currently hanging in the mid to upper -50s, which is ideal for both bug activity and trout metabolism. June is the month when the Missouri River transforms into a bug buffet. Fish are happy. And when the fish are happy, so are we.

June Missouri River Hatch Report

• PMDs (Pale Morning Duns) have taken center stage. Look for them mid-morning to early afternoon. Overcast days have been excellent for the dry fly fisherman. Expect to see picky sippers in slow water and more aggressive eaters in the riffles and tailouts. Spinners, emegers, and PMD cripples in size 16–18 are getting it done.
  
• Caddis are starting to ramp up, especially in the lower reaches below Craig. Posting up or rolling blind with a 14-16  X-caddis or corn fed Caddis can lead to some electric eats.
  
• Sowbugs,Worms and scuds are always a Missouri River staple below Holter Dam, and they’re still producing fish, especially in the morning before the insects get moving. Be sure to crimp your barbs on those bigger worms patterns we all love to fish in June.
  

June Fishing Report and Tactics

Dry Fly Fishing : This is what we live for in June. Bring your A-game—these trout have PhDs. Fly First ,longer leaders, soft casts, and patience will put you in the game. Focus on feeding lanes, foam lines, and slicks. We have been fishing the new clear tip fly line for Scientific anglers and we feel it has upped our dry fly game.

Nymphing: Short leash rigs are working well on the flats and shorelines. A two-fly rig with a PMD nymph (like a split case, perdigon or a Frenchie) is a solid choice. Keep your depth shallow—24 to 48 inches from bottom fly to a soft landing indicator. 

Streamer fishing: It’s not the most consistent program right now, but it can still move some fish during overcast periods. Keep it small.  Small buggers seem to be catching more fish. 

Tips for the month of June

• Don’t overlook the power of observation. Take 10 minutes to watch the water and the fish before you make your first cast. 
• Bring your fly box full of cripples, emergers, and spinners. Missouri River trout often prefer them over the perfectly formed adult.
  
• Stay late. The evening caddis hatch can be spectacular in the right spot. Long shadows and that golden light make for unforgettable dry fly eats.
• Be Kind and Spread Stoke! The river can be busy.
  

Final Word

June on the Missouri River is what we dream about during the long, frozen days of February. The river is full of life, the bugs are doing their thing, and every riffle, seam, and flat seems to hold promise. Whether you’re a die-hard dry fly angler or just happy to be out there with a good drift and a cold beverage, the Mo has something for you this month.