Cool, Cloudy Weather is making for Epic Dry Fly Eats to start June!

3 days ago
3 min read

June 4, 2026

Much needed precipitation has increased the flows and this has made for happy trout and outstanding fishing on the Mighty Mo. This trend looks to continue on into next week with temperatures topping out in the mid-60's to low 70's. Don't be discouraged by a cloudy or dreary day on the Missouri. This is when we have seen the most bug activity and biggest fish being caught by guests at the Ranch. Pack a rain jacket with an optimistic attitude and be prepared to experience some of the best angling the Missouri River has to offer. Keep your eyes peeled going through the canyon sections of the river as well. We have had numerous sightings of Bighorn Sheep with their lambs of the year in tow. Along with the cooler weather, we have flows ranging between 3500-3800CFS and water temperatures staying in the mid-50's. All great things for the week to come.

Persistent anglers and crafty guides are continuing to produce incredible fish on the dry fly bite. Big brown trout sipping size 18 dry flies off the surface is the ultimate for most anglers that come to the Ranch, and the last week has produced that thrill time and time again. While a day on the river should be judged more by the quality of company in the boat rather than the number or size of fish brought to it, guests have produced some the biggest fish of the year this last week and most have be capitalizing on epic dry fly eats. Baetis and PMD patterns have still ruled the roost on the river. Lead with something you can keep an eye on like a Para Wulff or an Adams with a smaller cripple or emerger trailing. Most eats have been coming on the back fly with Film Critics and Rusty Spinners still being the food of choice for these rising trout.

Whether you call it a strike indicator or bobber, the most important key to bringing the most fish to boat on the Missouri is perfecting your drag-free drift. Use the time between dry fly opportunities to work with your guides to hone in your nymphing skills. This will not only make you a better all-around angler, but will also produce fish between rising pods. Changing flows have made finding the right depth a little tricky, but trust in your guide and once you find the right combo of flies and water column...it's on! The usual suspects have been paying off with Frenchies, Spanish Bullets, and Stocker's Gunner Perdigon continuing to pick off fish that are reluctant to come to the surface. If you are looking for numbers, nymphing is still your best bet.

With more overcast days lining up for the coming week, don't be afraid to hunt trophy fish with a streamer. While streamer fishing is hardly ever the best means to catch the most fish, it can be some of the most fun and gives anglers opportunities to catch that "fish of a lifetime." Be honest with your guide about your skill set and come into the day eager to learn, and you could add new trick to your arsenal or polish up this technique that has been producing sizable fish on the Missouri. Timing and tact have been the most important keys to streamer fishing in recent weeks, so whatever you throw for our meat eaters on the river, do it with confidence and authority. Try a Gamechanger, Dungeon, or a Bugger style fly and be ready for whenever that Missouri River monster takes hold!