Recent fishing has been good to great the past few days. Flows at Holter Dam are remaining steady in the lower 3000’s (today 3,020 cfs). Water temps are 62.5 this morning. We should see the weather remain the same with highs in the 80’s for the next few days. There is a slight chance of a thunderstorm or two in the area.
People have been spreading back out in the river. We are seeing less people in the Dam section and more boats floating down near Pelican Point and Cascade. The most consistent fishing is from Wolf Creek to Stickney Creek.
Dries: Hopper fishing is still ok. People who are religiously throwing the hopper are getting about 10 eats during a day. Most of the fish are nice ones though. Trico’s are around in the morning and the spinner fall is producing some dry fly fishing if you can find the right spot. Caddis can save the evening if they don’t get blown off the river. Other terrestrials like ants and beetles might be the hottest dry fly fishing we have. If you can find rising fish try a beetle or ant. Favorite dries: Parachute Cinnamon Ant #14, CDC Stocking Wing Caddis #18, Parachute Adams #20, Yeti Hopper Purple #10.
Nymphs: Nymphing has been working well in the shallow runs and riffles. The best way to get into fish is dropping a small fly off your hopper or small pinch on indicator. Lighter rigs with little split shot is working in grassy flats and along the shallow banks. Favorite nymphs: Love Bug #20, PT #18, Mirage Nymph #20.
Streamers: There is some good streamer fishing to be had if you can find water without floating weeds. It is kind of like the hopper fishing, not big numbers of fish but worth the exciting chases and big eats. The key here is really finding places in the river where the water is faster and doesn’t collect any floating weeds. Favorite streamers: Grizzly Bugger Black #4, Sparkle Minnow JJ #4, Wooly Bugger Olive #10.
Good stuff, Taylor Todd. I’m glad I made my way over here. I’m originally from Helena and even have a relative in Craig. Really cool to be able to read thoughtful updates on the Missouri. As for Crosscurrents, the shop always gets my nod. One has to support the folks that have been doing it the longest and who maintain a meaningful regional presence (the shop in Helena). Ken (theliteraryflyfisher.com).
Ken, I Really enjoy reading your blog as well. It is great to see someone who is not only interested in catching fish, but into the culture and literature that surrounds fly fishing. I have always believed it’s important to respect those who have been there before you and you seem to have that same approach to fishing. Thanks for the kudos on CrossCurrents. It’s a great place to work!
One of the great things about fly fishing is that it can be enjoyed on so many levels. If the rives are frozen or blown out, you can always tie some flies or read a book.
Enjoy the Missouri. My wife and I have been stuck in the East, but decided this last week to move closer to MT. It will be great to hit home waters more frequently.
I agree. There is always a way to stay connected to the sport. Where are you living now? It would be great to see you come out and visit us in Craig.