This Missouri River fly fishing report covers current conditions near Craig, Montana: flows sitting at 3,500–3,600 CFS, with water temps running mid to high 60s. That’s warm enough that afternoons in some reaches are getting too hot to be targeting trout responsibly, plan your day around the cooler hours. Weeds are in play but not bad at all.
Missouri River Hopper Fishing: Hoppers, Ants, and Prospecting with Caddis
Terrestrial season is in full swing, and hopper fishing is the story of August. Hoppers and ants are drawing good eats in skinny water, and prospecting with a caddis is a great way to spend the day. We had some strong hopper fishing in the upper river yesterday, a royal chubby, size 12, was the top producer. Not many bugs the past few days.
Nymphing the Fast Water on the Missouri River
Nymphers are running the crayfish patterns, and tagging off a zebra or some type of pheasant tail nymph in that shallow, fast, more oxygenated water. If you’re still married to the indicator, August is a good time to learn something new. We spend plenty of days teaching anglers who are just generally curious about the sport, single dry fly, dry-dropper, whatever gets you off the bobber.
Guide Tips for August on the Missouri River
— Keep a close eye on water temps through the afternoon. Read more about fishing in warmer water here.
— Handle fish with care and keep them wet.
— Fish barbless. It cuts down handling time and gets fish back in the water faster.
What to Expect Going Forward on the Missouri River
This cool stretch has been a welcome break, but temps look to climb back up in the coming days. Hopper fishing, along with ants and caddis, should keep producing through the month, fingers crossed for another cool-down and some rain.
Fly Fishing Cascade Montana
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