Whether you are an accomplished angler or novice, the Missouri River is the place to be in June!

Jun 11
3 min read

June 11, 2026

Whether you're an accomplished angler looking to hone in on a dry fly hatch or it's your first time fly fishing and just trying to take in the scenery while getting a fish to the boat, now is the time to be on the Missouri. Over the past week, we have had all experience levels of anglers pass through the ranch with guests having great success and rewarding floats. If technical angling is your game, the "Mighty Mo" is producing some of the best hatches in the West at the moment, but this does not only benefit the passionate fly angler, novice have been cashing in on the abundance of bug life as well. Some the biggest trout caught on the river have been by first timers. Stay focused, listen to your guide, and don't forget to keep your head up...the landscape and wildlife along the Missouri River are really putting on a show. Daytime highs in the mid-70's to low 80's will warm you up throughout the day, but mornings can still be a little brisk, so don't forget a coat to get you through the chilly mornings. Flows are staying in the 3200CFS range with water temperatures rising into the high 50's. With these lower flows and the high sun, a lot of guides are opting to have anglers seated throughout the float. This allows the guides and guests to sneak up on weary fish and giving everyone the best chance to capitalize with the conditions on the river.

The Missouri River is gifting anglers some of the best dry fly activity the West has to offer. The Missouri is historic for it's prolific dry fly hatches and the big river is showing us why right now. PMDs and Caddis are coming off the water in huge numbers at times, and we are anticipating the Caddis to pick up even more with some of the warmer daytime temperatures moving in. The trout on the river are starting to get educated so correct fly sizing and drag-free downstream drifts have become paramount to landing the big sippers we are all after on the Mo. Lead flies like a Corn-fed Caddis followed by a Rusty Spinner or PMD emerger have been getting the job done.

By far the most effective way for guests to bring fish to the boat has been deliberate nymphing. It's easy to get sidetracked by the intense beauty of the Missouri Valley at the moment. While always a special place, the vibrant green and abundance of wildlife has made keeping your eye on the strike indicator quite the task. While this is a good thing and maybe the most rewarding, remember that trout have a way of taking your fly when you are least expecting it, so during your sightseeing breaks in the action, be listening for the "SET!" call from your guide the second you look away to the soaring eagle or hovering osprey. Stick with basics, but be willing to change flies till you find the right combo. Larger perdigons or even the dreaded Wire Worm have fished well when paired with smaller Green Machines and Split Case PMDs.

Loyal and persistent streamer anglers have had a great week with the cloudy conditions. It can seem like a lot of casting with little results up until you tie into a fish of a lifetime. Streamer fishing is hardly ever the go-to for the numbers game, but if quality over quantity is your mode of operation, keep ripping the meat through the water column. Finding the right retrieve cadence for the day can be tricky, but remember to get your fly moving as soon as it hits the water. A lot of times, the fish hugging the banks react instinctively to the initial slap on the water and first hard strip of the fly. If the big brown you're looking for is there, get ready for the Missouri River Rodeo. Fly pattens don't seem as important as the positioning and retrieve. Cycle through Gamechangers, Mini Dungeons, and Bugger patterns till you find the fly that works for you and the fish.