Missouri River - Upper
MT
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River
About Missouri River - Upper
The Upper Missouri River, a 149-mile designated National Wild and Scenic River, flows through wide-open valleys flanked by buttes and thinly forested mountains. This section offers a seasonally fluctuating fishery, with migratory brown and rainbow trout providing exceptional opportunities, alongside a challenging warmwater fishery for tailing common carp. The river upstream of Toston Irrigation Dam and the forty miles below it to Canyon Ferry Reservoir are not known for great trout fishing, but large trout do migrate from Canyon Ferry up to the irrigation diversion at certain times. However, these forty miles offer good to great fly fishing for carp, especially in late summer when grasshoppers are abundant. Above Toston, the slower moving waters offer scattered trout, and the Missouri becomes a fabulous fishery again below Holter Dam.
Missouri River - Upper Hatch Chart
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Quick Actions
Regulations
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Seasonal Closures: This water has seasonal closures. Check local regulations for specific dates.
Trip Planning
Best fishing typically occurs during summer and fall. Check water conditions before heading out.
See what insects are emerging on Missouri River - Upper's hatch forecast — including active hatches, water temperatures, and which patterns to have in your box this month.
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Conditions Report
Read tips and insights about recent conditions for Missouri River - Upper — gathered from on line sources.
Read the Conditions ReportWater conditions
Water conditions for the last 7 days. You can gain insights to fishing activity based on these conditions, like water temperature and flow.
Data sourced from USGS National Water Information System
Access
Seasons
Terrain
Water
Fish Species
Trout
Grayling
Walleye
Carp
Regulations
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Seasonal Closures: This water has seasonal closures. Check local regulations for specific dates.
Fishing Styles
Methods
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Wade Friendly
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Float Friendly
Land Ownership
Public Blm
State Wildlife Area