MISSOURI RIVER FISHING REPORT
March 20, 2025
The Calendar says it's spring!
Location: Missouri River Below Holter Dam
Flows: 3150 CFS
Water Temp: 36 degrees below the dam. Warming several degrees by afternoon as the water moves downstream through the canyon. We expect to see a rise of a degree or two each week moving forward.
Daytime high temperatures will be a bit chilly this weekend, but are still enough above freezing for fishing fun. The middle of next week we push into the 60s and a possible 70-degree range. In the mornings, while all of us wait for the temps to rise, come into The Trout Shop for coffee, breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches, sides, snacks, beverages and beer.
On the Water:
BWO’s are waiting for the water to warm into the 40s, but the nymphs are getting active, so size 18 mayfly nymphs are now in the game and will continue to grab attention as we move into April. Sow bugs will continue to be in demand with Pink and Orange beaded patterns holding key position, followed by natural non-beaded versions.
If you get lucky with conditions, you can experience great dry-fly fishing this time of year. Midge hatches have fish feeding on top when the wind lays down enough. The next few weeks are usually the best opportunity for big hatches and clusters.
Now is still prime time for Trout Spey. Fish are opportunistic before the big hatches start and swinging minnow, leech and sculpin imitations is a fun way to get the line tight. The browns are hungry and some of the pre-spawn rainbows are aggressive. We have a large selection of Trout Spey treats as well as all the rods, reels, lines, tips and leaders to get you in the game.
Check Out:
We have received most of our pre-season fly orders and are restocking the bins with old reliables as well, and adding new must-have patterns. We are also loading up the shop with new products including Yeti, Nautilus, Costa, and Turtle Box.
MISSOURI RIVER WEATHER FORECAST
OTHER REPORTS WE LIKE TO FOLLOW
Missouri River fishing reports aren't always the same. One stretch of the river may fish better than others which is why we like to check a number of different fishing reports from other shops in the area. We've gathered our favorite fishing report sources in the links below.