Missouri River Fishing Report
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This Missouri River fishing report is valid from February 15 through early March.
The Upper Missouri between Toston Dam and Canyon Ferry is now too cold and probably has some ice. No point fishing here until April or so.
Land of Giants (Hauser Tailwater): The warm winter means this is an excellent bet if you want to try for some big pre-spawn rainbows without the March and April Madness (this area is nicknamed “Land of Giants,” but “Land of No Ethics” is a better name in April). While swinging slinky streamers is the prettier option, the most effective one is to nymph the big runs. Use some combination of scuds, sowbugs, mayfly nymphs, WD-40s, and egg patterns. Go with pink or rainbow #12–16 flies for the scuds and sowbugs, #16–18 pink or maybe pale orange on the mayflies, and #16 pink or chartreuse on the eggs. Chartreuse is best on cloudy days.
The Holter Tailwater: Similar to Land of Giants, but with a better chance of dry fly fishing (still a small chance). Swinging is a better choice here. Floating a short stretch and cycling the big runs is a great option.
Missouri River Fishing Report – Relevant Links
- Hauser Dam Streamflow Data: Note that wade-fishing becomes difficult when flows are over 5000cfs and is basically impossible in most places above 8000cfs. High flows are most common in late May and early June.
- Holter Dam Streamflow Data
- “Land of Giants” Area Weather
- Craig (Holter Dam Area) Weather
Note: We update our general fishing report far more often than our fishery-specific reports like this one, especially between November and April.