Missouri River fishing report – March

Current Conditions Flows: 3,080 CFS | Water Temp: 36°F | Clarity: Good

Overview

The Missouri River below Holter Dam is fishing well to start March 2026. Mild temperatures have kept conditions stable through the end of February and we’re carrying that momentum into the new month. We saw a number boats floating the canyon along with lots wade anglers from Wolf Creek bridge down to the Lone Tree FAS. over the weekend.

Snowpack remains below average for this time of year and we’re hoping for more moisture as we move into spring. A healthy runoff will be key heading into what we expect to be a great season — we’re just about a month out from the Land of the Giants trips starting to ramp up.

Missouri River Nymphing Report – March 2026

Nymphing is hands down the most consistent technique on the Missouri right now and it should remain that way through early spring. With water temperatures at 35 -36°F, trout metabolism is slow and fish are not moving far to eat. That means presentation and positioning are everything.

The key to finding fish this time of year is targeting the slower winter runs and deep buckets where current is minimal and trout can hold without burning energy. Don’t waste time in the fast riffles or heavy pocket water, the numbers of fish are not in those zones until temperatures climb. Focus on the soft edges, seam lines adjacent to slow water, and any deep runs with a moderate current break.

Top Missouri River Nymph Patterns for March:

Sowbugs — the bread and butter of Missouri River nymphing year round, fish them in sizes 14–18

Scuds — Rainbow, pink in sizes 14–18

Zebra Midges — black, green and red in sizes 16-20

San Juan Worms — don’t overlook these on the Missouri, especially when the tributaries start pushing some color into the main river.

Fish are stacked in the best winter runs right now. Once you locate them, you can expect multiple eats in the same water.

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Streamer Fishing on the Missouri River

The streamer bite has cooled off a bit with the slight dip in water temperatures. At 35°F fish aren’t showing a lot of aggression on the chase, but streamers are still worth throwing, especially if you like hunting for bigger fish. Fish them slow and low in the slack water seams, dead-drifting or with subtle strips. Resist the urge to strip fast. Big Missouri River trout in cold water want an easy meal.

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Missouri River Swing Bite – March 2026

The swing bite has been the standout this week and it’s worth dedicating real time to if you’re on the water. We’re finding fish holding in the slower runs and they’ve been genuinely responsive to a well-presented swung fly. This is classic late-winter Missouri River fishing at its best.

The Thin Mint has been the go-to fly in sizes 8–12. We’re fishing it on a medium Versa leader in the 4 IPS — the intermediate sink tip keeps the fly in the zone without dragging bottom in the slower current. The key is letting the fly hang and breathe at the end of the swing. Cold water fish often follow and eat on the dangle, so don’t rush the pickup.

Tips for swinging the Missouri River in March:

Wade slowly and cover water methodically — don’t burn through runs

Focus on the transition zones where fast water meets slow — fish can stack there in winter

Let the fly complete the full swing and hang for a count of five before picking up

The swing bite on the Missouri tends to get better as March progresses and water temperatures begin to tick upward. If you haven’t tried swinging flies on this river, March is a great time to learn. The takes are aggressive and the fish are there.

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Midge Activity and Dry Fly Fishing

Good numbers of midges were out on the water this weekend in the slicks but fish were not up on them. Keep an eye out during the warmest part of the afternoon — typically between 1 and 4 pm is your best window for surface activity in late winter.

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Looking Ahead – Missouri River Spring Season 2026

Spring is building on the Missouri and the signs are good. The Gates of the Mountains marina is open, the ice is out. The big question mark is moisture — snowpack is running below average and summer flows will depend heavily on what March and April can deliver.

Were just three weeks out from our Land of the Giants trips to ramping up.

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Missouri River fishing report for the stretch below Holter Dam near Craig, Montana. Report current as of March 3, 2026.