Missouri River Fishing Report | June 9, 2025
The report at a glance
Presentation
Fish a 4 or 5 weight with small dries to rising fish. On the Blackfoot, cut the dropper and threw a single foam salmonfly with big surface chugs. On the Clark Fork, start with a chubby dry and stonefly dropper, then switch to a Purple Haze as it warms.
Lures and baits
Small dry flies matched to PMD hatches on the Missouri
Foam salmonfly patterns on the Blackfoot
A chubby dry with a stonefly dropper, then a Purple Haze, on the Clark Fork
Non-Catch America fly patterns
Best time
From about 10 a.m. through the day, when the PMD window opens
Water clarity
Low and clear
Water level
Low water; lower than normal flows.
Advice for this week
Stay mobile and hunt for active heads. The PMD window opens around 10 a.m. Take advantage of the low, clear water while the bite is on, since it will not stay this good for long.
What is changing
Low, clear water across the region. The Clark Fork is coming out of runoff with lower than normal water.
Next week
Ryan expects the hot streak to fade as flows drop and temps rise. Cold tailwater and glacial rivers like the Flathead should keep producing. Fish now while conditions are prime.
The Missouri River in central Montana is top-notch for dry fly fishing in early June 2025. PMDs are popping from about 10 AM on, bringing big rainbows and browns to the surface all day. Fish a light 4 or 5 weight rod with small dries at rising heads. Stay mobile and hunt for feeding fish.
What is biting on the Missouri River right now?
Big rainbows and brown trout are feeding on the surface. Ryan Stultz calls the Missouri top-notch right now, proving itself every day. PMDs are popping and there are plenty of rising heads to cast at from about 10 AM through the rest of the day. It is prime dry fly season.
What flies are working on the Missouri River?
Small dry flies matched to the PMD hatch are the play. Pale morning duns are the main event from mid-morning on. These are fly patterns rather than products we carry, so match the PMD hatch from your own box or a local fly shop.
What rod should I use on the Missouri River?
A light 4 or 5 weight rod with a small dry fly is ideal for casting at rising rainbows and browns. The delicate presentation matches the PMD hatch and the wary fish sipping on the surface. Stay mobile and target active heads for the best action.
When is the PMD hatch on the Missouri River?
The pale morning duns start popping around 10 AM and the surface action continues the rest of the day. That mid-morning window is when the dry fly fishing turns on. Watch for rising heads and match the hatch. Exact water temps were not specified in this report.
What is the outlook for the Missouri River?
The dry fly fishing is proving itself daily and should stay strong through the PMD window. Ryan notes conditions across Montana are unusually good thanks to a decent snowpack and little spring rain. Longer-term outlook was not specified in this report.
Watch the full report
Missouri River June 9, 2025 FAQ
Yes. Ryan Stultz calls it top-notch, with strong dry fly action for rainbows and browns every day.
Pale morning duns (PMDs) are popping from about 10 AM through the rest of the day.
A 4 or 5 weight rod with a small dry fly is ideal for the PMD hatch and rising fish.
Big rainbows and brown trout are feeding on the surface.
Around 10 AM when the PMDs start popping, and it continues the rest of the day.
Specific PMD patterns for this river are not specified in this report. Match the hatch from your own box or a local fly shop.
