May Missouri River Fly Fishing Report 

Report Date: May 15, 2025

CURRENT CONDITIONS River Flows: 4500 CFS

Water Temperature: 50°F Overall Conditions: Excellent

May on the Missouri River has delivered a true spring spectacle. Lot’s of extra moisture has really helped things green up and will help to fill our reservoirs.

May Bug Life on the Missouri River

The dry fly is the headline this month. If you’re looking for targets, you’ll find them in the afternoon — especially during overcast days. From Wolf Creek down to Cascade.

Blue-Winged Olives (BWO) have taken center stage. Noses up in the slicks, and pods of trout sipping in the swirlies especially when we have the clouds to set the mood. Dry fly purists are finding success with the 401K Baetis, trusty rusty and Para Adams. Longer leaders and stealthy approaches are a must. It’s that time of year where good casts and better drifts get rewarded.

Caddis are starting to pop in the lower reaches—from Craig on down. These bugs are right on schedule thanks to the steady water temps, and a few fish are already looking up for them, particularly in the late afternoon. The Corn-Fed Caddis in a size 16 has been doing the trick.

Nymphing remains productive throughout the day. Sowbug, scuds, worms, perdigons and small Pheasant tail variations are a good call out of the gate. Once the bugs get going we have been shortening up and targeting the seams, slicks and shallow flats.

Streamer fishing has been fair and honestly we have not committed to it.  Smaller patterns like Kreelex, Sparkle Minnows, and the thin mint have moved fish along the banks and around mid-river structure. A slow retrieve with the occasional twitch seems to be the right speed right now.

GUIDE’S TIPS FOR THIS MONTH •

Tip #1 – Clean those fly lines

Tip #2 – Be kind , it’s getting busy out there

Tip #3 – Don’t Forget your rain gear

What to Expect Going Forward

The second half of May should bring rising flows and more caddis. May is a month of positive momentum. Warmer nights, stable water temps, and a healthy mix of hatches make for some great  fishing. The river is healthy, the bugs are here.