FISHING REPORTS

Missouri River Report
Map of Missouri River

RIVER PHOTO GALLERYS

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Missouri River Winter Fishing Report

Missouri River Brown

The Missouri River provides anglers some great opportunities for winter fishing, even though the weather isn't as pleasant for some folks. Similar to a giant spring creek, this tailwater fishery has a strong reputation for consistent temperatures, fertile bottom vegetation, & clear water...a proven recipe for excellent insect hatches and healthy fish, no matter what season we're in. Currently, angling pressure is at its lowest point of the year, & fishing has been good throughout the river. Heavy midge hatches happen every day, here, and you can always find fish looking up somewhere. Try casting midge clusters or emerger patterns to picky fish. Nymphing, throughout the day, is a great way to put fish in the net. The best offerings, this time of year, are of the small crustacean & nymph/larva/pupa variety. Try double nymph rigs, using a larger pattern ahead of a smaller one. Combinations of a San Juan Worm or Pink Scud, & an MFG or Lightning Bug can be dynamite! Streamer fishing has been good, as well. Some of the best patterns imitating sculpins/baitfish are Thin Mints, Sculpzillas, Skiddish Smolts, Trick-or-Treats, & Shaggy Buggers. Fish these patterns with a slow retrieve, or on a dead drift, for the best success. Keep in mind...the key to any fishing you do, especially in the colder months, is patience. Days of 30+ trout to hand are not common in the winter. Even so, don't get discouraged. The ability to fish your favorite water, several days in a row without anyone trying to push you out, is definitely worth the time you spend fishing this river in the chilly winter air. Things are still happening, despite the colder temperatures. So get out and fish!

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Dries that are working best are: 

Griffith's Gnat Size 18
Parachute Adams Size 18 & 20
Snowshoe Midge Cluster Size 18 & 20
Snowshoe Midge Emerger Size 18 & 20

Nymphs & Streamers that are working best are:

Tailwater Sow Bug Size 16 & 18
Hot Bead Scuds Size 12 & 14
MFG Size 14 to 18
Hot Bead Soft Hackle Size 14
San Juan Worm Size 6 to 12
Zebra Midge Size 16 & 18
Garrett's Purple Death Size 14 to 18
Lighting Bug Silver, Gold, & Copper Size 14 to 18
Tungsten Rainbow Czech Nymph Size 14 & 16
Quasimodo Pheasant Tail Size 16 & 18
Shaggy Bugger Size 8
Trick-or-Treat Bugger Size 6
Olive Thin Mint Size 8
Sculpzilla Size 4
Skiddish Smolt Size 4
3-D Everglades Streamer Size 6

Below is the Missouri River Fall of 2009 Fish Counts from Grant Grisak, Montana Dept. of Fish, Wildlife and Parks fisheries Biologist;

As you can see from the charts, both sections of the Missouri River are above the Historical long-term mean for Rainbows and Brown Trout. The Missouri is looking great for 2010 with over 4000 fish per mile in the Craig section and about 2180 fish per mile in the Cascade Section. 2009 was also a great water year for most of the rivers in Montana. The more normal water levels on the MO in 2009 made it a great year for the fish, they are big, fat and sassy. If you would like to see Montana Dept. of Fish, Wildlife and Parks video "Tracking Montana Fish" on Grant Grisak's ongoing radio telemetry study on the fish of the Missouri, just go to our Video Library page and go to "Tracking Montana Fish, by Montana Dept. Fish, Wildlife and Parks".

Smith River Winter Fishing Report

The Smith River doesn't have a strong winter fishery, due to the limited access, extremely cold temperatures, and ice jams along the river. So, most Smith River enthusiasts find themselves day dreaming of warmer days, floating down this wild & scenic river in April/May through July/August. Winter is a great time of year for all of you fly tyers to fill up your big dry fly/attractor, nymph, & streamer boxes. For those of you that aren't fly tyers, we offer beginner classes in January, February, & March. Classes run $75 per student, and are one night a week for 5 weeks. For more details & seating availability, please give us a call at (406) 442-2630. Also, please check back next spring for more Smith River fishing reports & hot tips for your angling success.

Dries that are working Best in the Spring are:

Olive Stimulator Size 8 to 12
Bullet-Head Skwalas Size 8 to 12
Hi-Vis Parachute Baetis Size 14 & 16

Nymphs & Streamers that are working Best in the Spring are:

Beadhead Prince Nymph Size 8 to 12
MFG Size 14 to 18
Lightning Bug Size 14 & 16
Super Stone Size 8 & 10
Bitch Creek Nymph Size 4 to 10
Brown or Black Yuk Bugs Size 4 & 6
Brown or Black Buggers Size 4 & 6
Beldar Bugger Size 6
Trick-or-Treat Bugger Size 4 & 6
Olive Thin Mint Size 8 

Below is the 2009 fish counts for the Smith River, by Montana Dept. of Fish, Wildlife and Parks fisheries biologist Grant Grisak. The Smith fish well in 2009 and as you can see from the chart the fish count is up from 2007. Montana Dept. of FWP has only been able to check the uppper section of the river ( Eagle Creek section) the last few years and has not been able to do the lower section ( Deep Creek section).