The Missouri River fly fishing report for June 2026. PMDs are in full swing, flows are lower than we’d like, and the dry fly is running the show.
River at 3,100 CFS, water temps out of Holter Dam in the high 50s, and fish are looking up.
Good soaking rain came through last week and more is in the forecast. That’s exactly what we need heading into summer. Keep it coming!
June Bug Life on the Missouri River
This is it. June on the Missouri is why people plan trips a year in advance. The Pale Morning Dun hatch is in full swing, a bit early this year, which means we’re already in prime time. PMDs are our favorite hatch on this river.
Cripples and emergers are the key to unlocking picky fish. The fish are keying on the vulnerable bugs, the ones stuck in the film. Low-riding dry flies work on the Mo. Fish the techy stuff. When the spinners come down, the hi-viz Spinner can closes the deal. Size 16–18, slack line cast, good drift, pick a fish.
Hoppers and ants are just around the corner. If the terrestrial bite kicks off early, we’ll update this report. Stay tuned.
Nymphing the Mo in June
Nymphing holds throughout the day, especially in the first half of the morning. Run deep in the morning, the fish haven’t positioned up yet. After lunch, shorten up and move to the shallower flats with the short leash rig.
What’s working: the Frenchie, Zebra Midge, Allen’s Thunder Bug, Split Case PMD, TNT PMD, and Pheasant Tail variations. Maybe a zirdle or thin mint as a top fly for those sloppy menders.
Streamers
We had a strong streamer day recently while waiting for the bug activity to fire. The Thin Mint was the clear winner, fished on a light intermediate tip. If you like throwing streamers, there’s a window in the morning before the hatch gets going. Don’t overlook it.
Guide Tips for June
Tip #1 — Low-riding dries outperform high floating patterns right now.
Tip #2 — Run deep in the morning, 5- 6′ to the bobber, shorten up after lunch. The fish will tell you where they are.
Tip #3 — Craig is busy. Lots of anglers from out of town are here. Be kind, respect the wade angler, and spread the stoke.
What to Expect Going Forward
Water temps in the high 50s with PMDs already popping early, this is shaping up to be an great June on the Missouri river. As temps climb toward 60, expect the terrestrial bite to start building. Hoppers and ants will move front and center once the warm weather settles in.
Contact us to get on the water in 2027
Land of the Giants Fishing Report – May 2026
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