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BWOs and the 2026 Season Staff have arrived on the Missouri!

  • 3 hours ago
  • 2 min read

April 16, 2026


Opening Week at the Ranch has come on with a flurry of bright faces and big hatches. The 2026 Season staff have arrived and hit the ground running. Between E-Bike rides, the 1st Annual MRR Horseshoe Invitational, and Tower Rock hikes, they've been polishing up the gem that is the Missouri River Ranch. Flows on the river have been holding steady around 3000CFS with river temps rising to the mid-40's. 


BWO's have arrived at the Ranch with the staff. While midge hatches are still the constant on the river, BWOs are coming in swarms when the conditions are right in the Canyon section and lower river towards Cascade. With each passing day, we are seeing more and more dry fly activity on the river. Much is the same on the midge fly front, but with the added mayflies in the system, Para Wulff, Purple Haze, and Black Cripples are making fish take a second look on the surface.


Subsurface is still the mainstay for anglers looking to pile up the numbers. Fish are starting to move from their winter holding water, but the highest density of fish are continuing to be found in the slow, deep pools. Sow bugs, scuds, and zebra midge patterns are still on the menu with more action beginning on mayfly patterns like Green Machines, Pheasant Tails, and darker, olive tungsten perdigons. 


Streamer fishing has produced some angry brown trout eats. Mini Dungeons, Thin Mints, and other dark Buggers are remaining the heavy hitters on the river. 


The MRR Staff Hatch has been on the forefront this week. Welcoming in an enthusiastic, amazing crew of hospitality experts has been the biggest catch! We have some familiar faces back to the Ranch this year with our talented Executive Chef Justin returning to lead our Culinary Team along with Chef Kyle and James who are as fun as they are fishy. We also have our all-around all-star, Kelsey, back setting the tone as our Front of House and Ranch Mom with her supporting cast of Abigail and Austin who are coming to us with a wealth of experience and expertise to round out the Rooms Team. We also have Sophie holding down fort behind the bar in the afternoon with a smile and personality as big as the Montana skies. Our resident Mr.Fix-It, Howie, is back at the Ranch this year to keep the property just as pristine as you remember it. I would also like to introduce myself, Clay, as the new GM of Missouri River Ranch. Originally from Southern Oklahoma, I had been on more catfish noodling trips than fly fishing floats before moving to Montana 12 years ago but have since fell in love with all things that swim in the West and beyond. I hope to infect everyone that passes through the Ranch with the same enthusiasm and love I have for Montana and the Missouri River.


Lastly, Jake & Camille have decided to pursue their next adventure. We are greatly appreciative of their contributions to all of our guests and staff. We wish them the best on their journey and look forward to welcoming both back to the ranch in the future!



Drop us a line, and we'll see you soon at the ranch! This is sure to be an unbelievable season on the Missouri.


406-206-6989

 
 
 
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