MISSOURI RIVER FISHING REPORT
April 10, 2026
Location: Missouri River Below Holter Dam
Flows: 3,020 cfs
Weather: 41 in the morning and warming during the day
Water Temp: 42 in the morning.
It is officially Mayfly season. BWO’s are hatching daily. Fish are looking for mayfly nymphs. A few fish are rising, but we really need those cloudy, low pressure, calm days to set off the surface activity. It looks like we might get a couple of those days next week. Enjoy the sunshine for now.
Rainbows are finishing up the spawn, especially up near the dam. Many have the post-spawn recovery blues. Over the next several weeks, warming water and increasing bugs will create better fishing conditions. For now, veteran anglers are focusing their efforts below Craig where waters are warming and fish feeding activity is stronger.
What is the best fly to use right now?
We hear that question almost every day. The Black IPT in size #18 for a mayfly nymph following a Tung UV Sow in rainbow #14 is a solid choice. While individual results may vary, those flies are always guaranteed on the end of my line.
Nymphing Fly Patterns We Love
Pill Popper, TFP Skurp, Pink or Orange beaded UV Yum Yum, Pink, Orange or Red Bead Soft Hackle Ray, Pink Bead Tungsten Epoxy Back Sow, Natural Grey and Rainbow Tailwater Sows. Midge Larva, Zebra Midge, Mercury Midge, Tufted Zebra
BWO patterns including the Black IPT, Green Machine, Psycho May, Two Bit Hooker, Micro May, Crust Nymph and many more.
On the Dry Side
Midges are hatching and a few BWO’s have been seen lower in the canyon. When fish are up, don’t be afraid to throw small attractors, like a #18 Purple Para Wulff or a Royal Wulff. Not many anglers target rising fish this time of year, but if you can find them, you can catch some. We’ve been selling a few small midge clusters this week. There are a few die-hard dry-fly guys who are finding rising fish and getting some.
TFP Honker, Hatching Midge, Hanging Midge, Black Cripple, Griffiths Gnat, Cluster Midge, Purple Para Wulff, Royal Wulff, Purple Haze, 401K Baetis, Sparkle Flag, Brianne Dun, CDC Para Spinner.
Soft Hackle Time
Now is the time to mix in some soft hackles if you like to swing. BWO softies behind a leech or smaller minnow pattern are a great way to cover water and get some grabs right now.
Meaty Stuff
Bam Bam, Thin Mint, Trout Spey Bugger, Mini Montana Intruder, Mini Sculpin, Mini Dungeon, Micro Peanut Envy, Peacock and Black Buggers
The Season is Starting to Buzz
The Trout Shop is currently open 8 am to 5 pm and we are your one-stop shop for coffee, breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches, sides, snacks, soft beverages, wine and beer. Our Hub Saloon in the Trout Shop Lodge is open Thursday – Sunday (closed Easter Sunday) each week starting at 5 p.m. Thursday and Sundays are pizza and wings days. Friday is Rocky’s rib night, and Saturday is steak night. The Hub will be open 7 days per week starting April 15.
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.