MISSOURI RIVER FISHING REPORT
September 10th, 2026
Flows: 3,800 cfs
Weather: After several warm windy days, Friday kicks off much cooler weather.
Water Temp: 62 degrees below Holter Dam.
What we are excited about: September vibes, cooling water, aggressive fish, more caddis.
Weekend Outlook: Fall weather with highs in the 50s.
On the Horizon
As the water continues to cool, fish will become more aggressive and a bit less picky. Weeds will continue breaking away and clearing out. Is it too soon to break out the trout spey? I'll report back on that soon.
On the Dry Side
This past week featured a few hours of great topwater action on Tricos, but now we are looking for more caddis. The Dry Dropper Gang always finds a few eats on the Hopper Chubby side.
Topside Patterns
High Vis Spent Caddis, Superman Caddis, Cluster Midge, Griffiths Gnat, Renegade, Cuzz Ball, Purple Haze, Para Adams, Split Flag Adams, Hackle Stacker Callibaetis, Callibaetis Spinner, Chubbies, Micro Chubbies, Water Walkers, Stimulators, Glitter Ant, Cupboard Ant, Ante Up, Fat Head Beetle, Juicy Hopper, Henneberry Hopper, and many more.
Underneath the Indicator
Sows and worms are always a good place to start. Zonkers, Zirdles, and Buggers trailed by a nymph continue to produce.
Nymphing Fly Patterns We Love
- Zebras: Flying Zebra, Zebra, Tufted Zebra.
- Evergreen Nymphs: Tailwater Sow, Worm, Hares Ear, Pheasant Tail
- Mayflies: Hares Ear, Pheasant Tail, Black IPT, Two Bit Hooker, Frenchy, Black and Brown Perdigons, Jig Micro May,
- Caddis: Blow Torch, Flamethrower, Ascending Caddis, Duracell, Purple/Red Bead Weight Fly
Dry Dropper
Tired of the indicator? Rounding out the day with a hopper-dropper setup is the play. Expect most of the activity on the nymph, but those few topside Hopper eats make it super exciting. Near the dam, drop a Zebra. Downriver, you can roll with a Zirdle.
Meaty Stuff
More streamers have been thrown of late, with mostly positive results. There are lots of minnows and young-of-the-year fish present. Under clouds or whenever the sun is off the water is generally best, but even on a sunny day, fish will eat the streamer over shallow flats and buckets. The Zonker, Flash N’ Grab, Kreelex, Sparkle Minnow, Bam-Bam Minnow, Flare A Bou, Thin Mint, and black, brown, and olive Bugger varieties are solid choices. Rolling larger articulated flies is also beginning to turn on some bigger fish. Our streamer wall is loaded with options.
Welcome to Craig Montana
THE TROUT SHOP is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and we are your one-stop shop for coffee, breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches, sides, snacks, soft beverages, wine and beer. We have guides, we do shuttles, and we have all the flies and gear you need in the shop. Our Hub Saloon in the Trout Shop Lodge is also open 7 days a week from 6-9 p.m. The best way to ensure you can get served is to book a reservation on Open Table. To do so, use the link or search Open Table. Search for Craig, Montana and Hub Saloon will pop up. Pick your time and get ready for some over-the-top meals. You can also check in with our staff for availability. Need a pizza? Place your order in the shop before 6pm or stop into the Hub between 6 and 8pm.
RESOURCES
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.