We use many disciplines when fly fishing the Missouri River and they all can be productive. These are mostly dictated by season, time of day, weather, and angler ability. The three most common methods for fly fishing the Missouri River are nymphing, dry fly fishing, and streamer fishing.
Nymphing the Missouri River
One of the most common methods when fly fishing the Missouri River is deep nymphing. It’s effective and a great way for new anglers to learn and enjoy the art of fly fishing. A very standard nymphing setup is two flies with an strike indicator and split shot. The distance from the indicator to the flies and weight will vary depending on the depth of water being targeted. Most nymphing applications are in 4–6 feet of water. This is where most trout feel safe and comfortable.
Short Leashing Nymphing the Missouri River
Another method we often use on the Missouri is a short leash nymph rig. Attaching two flies with 4 or 5x tippet, a soft landing indicator set about 24–36 inches above the top fly. This method is used for targeting the shallow flats we have here on the Missouri. Larger fish will often stage in the skinny water to feed. Hunting the shallow water is a great afternoon tactic once the insects start moving and hatching.
Dry Fly Fishing the Missouri
The purest form of fly fishing and my personal favorite. The most common and proven tactic for fishing dry flies is anchoring the drift boat above rising fish with stealth being paramount. Stay low — or better yet, stay seated when casting. Use aerial mends like a reach cast and then stack mend fly line downstream. The beauty of this is that the first thing the fish sees is the fly. While you can catch fish on the Missouri with an upstream presentation, ambushing them from above can be the most productive. Another dry fly method is casting bigger attractor dries while drifting, targeting the broken water and fishy objectives. More about dry fly fishing the Missouri.
Streamer Fishing
Stripping and swinging streamers is an excellent tactic during the spring and fall seasons. Streamer fishing the Missouri can be a game of patience but well worth the effort — especially on the Land of Giants section. Watching large rainbows and browns track and chase down a big streamer definitely gets the blood pumping. When casting larger streamers we recommend rods in the 6–8 weight range with intermediate or full sinking lines. Flies range from small Woolly Buggers to larger articulated flies.
We’ve spent a lot of time on the Missouri and love sharing it with anglers who are ready to experience what this river has to offer. Whether you’re chasing rising fish, nymphing the flats, or throwing streamers on the Land of Giants — come fish it with us. Reach out anytime at
(406) 465-1688
Fly Fishing Bozeman Montana
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