The Missouri River, the longest river in North America at over 2,300 miles, flows through seven states: Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. It offers diverse fishing environments from fast-flowing sections to calm backwaters, featuring varied ecosystems that support numerous fish species. This historic waterway has been vital for Native American tribes, explorers, and settlers for centuries, with fishing providing both sustenance and recreation. Today, the river remains a premier destination for anglers seeking everything from trophy walleye to monster catfish, with its numerous reservoirs, dams, and free-flowing sections providing unique fishing opportunities throughout the year.
Learn what type of fish are at Missouri River and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus salmoides
Micropterus dolomieu
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Salmo trutta
Salvelinus fontinalis
Oncorhynchus clarkii
Esox lucius
Esox masquinongy
Sander vitreus
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Thymallus arcticus
Ictiobus cyprinellus
Ictiobus niger
Ameiurus melas
Ictalurus furcatus
Cycleptus elongatus
Lepomis macrochirus
Lota lota
Ictalurus punctatus
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Cyprinus carpio
Pylodictis olivaris
Aplodinotus grunniens
Moxostoma erythrurum
Lepomis cyanellus
Carpiodes velifer
Salvelinus namaycush
Lepisosteus osseus
Prosopium williamsoni
Lepomis humilis
Polyodon spathula
Lepomis gibbosus
Carpiodes cyprinus
Lepomis microlophus
Carpiodes carpio
Ambloplites rupestris
Sander canadensis
Moxostoma macrolepidotum
North Dakota Game and Fish Department
Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.
Open stocking page, opens in new tabLearn how to get on Missouri River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
What you need to float or boat Missouri River, and when to apply.
Missouri National Recreational River
Registration · Overnight trips · Required year-round
Anyone camping overnight in the Missouri National Recreational River needs a free camping permit, filed online or at the Yankton office.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Missouri National Recreational River
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
All anglers 12 and over must possess a license.
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Under the Montana Stream Access Law, the public may use rivers and streams for recreational purposes up to the ordinary high water marks. Although the law gives recreationists the right to use rivers and streams for water-related recreation, it does not give them the right to enter private lands bordering those streams or to cross private lands to gain access to streams without landowner permission. Montana's stream access law ensures public access to surface waters by public bridge or county road right-of-way. The width of a public bridge or public road right-of-way easement is the same as the public highway to which it is attached.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around Missouri River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Missouri River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish Missouri River and check the forecast before you go.
All Flow Stations
Scheduled releases and generation forecasts from the dams on Missouri River.
Missouri River · Below Fort Peck Dam · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri River Basin
7,000 cfs now
Forecast updated today at 3:23 PM MST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Missouri River · Below Fort Randall Dam · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri River Basin
7,500 cfs now
Forecast updated today at 4:23 PM CST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Missouri River · Below Garrison Dam · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri River Basin
13,000 cfs now
Forecast updated today at 4:23 PM CST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Missouri River · Below Gavins Point Dam · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri River Basin
9,000 cfs now
Forecast updated today at 4:23 PM CST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
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Stained Water Bowfishing
Stained Water Bowfishing
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Riibe Outdoors
Seize the day on a fun trip - mighty fish awaits!
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Richins River and Lake Outfitters
Fish with Richins River and Lake Guide Service
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Legendary Outdoors
Missouri River—Big Fish, Bold Memories
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C&H Fishing Outfitters
Book a Missouri Fishing with Hollis Crawford
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Gunnin Dakota Guide Service
Family Fishing Trips Pierre SD
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