Upper Missouri River
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Species

Season
Upper Missouri River Overview
Top Techniques Reported for Smallmouth Bass + Summer
- Ned Rigs1
- Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip)1
Smallmouth Bass2 Reports
Catfish1 Report
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Fishing Reports
5 Reports on Upper Missouri RiverSort by
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6/1/25
Species
Catfish
Season
Summer
Technique
Live Bait Rigs
Structure
Rock Pile
Forage
Bluegill
Water Temperature
50°
Species
Smallmouth Bass
Season
Summer
Technique
Ned Rigs
Structure
Rip Rap
Forage
Minnows
Water Temperature
62°
The smallmouth were in the middle of/just wrapped up spawning from what I could tell. It was a little tougher than usual because of that I think, but was able to find some on the rocks. They were very finicky. The bites I got they were just pecking at it and did not want to commit, hence why I was throwing the ned. I tried flipping the rocks as well as going up and down the river to flip island heads/backwaters/fast banks/sandbars, but didn't have as much luck there. Overall okay day, but was fun running the river, water levels were great so made it easy to get around.
Species
Smallmouth Bass
Season
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Ned Rigs
Structure
Rip Rap
Forage
Minnows
Water Temperature
48°
The water was still pretty darn cold, but felt good to be out on the river that far north and catch some no less. They were definitely more finicky than they are when the water is a bit warmer, but I just slowed down with the ned rig and drifted it down the rock, nose of the boat pointed up stream, and let it drift back to me naturally and that’s how we got bit. Gotta love the river!
Top Fishing Techniques
for Smallmouth Bass + SummerChoose from techniques based on Upper Missouri River fishing reports.