The Missouri River is fishing swell these days. PMDs, PMDs, PMDs and oh Caddis. We might of even seen a few of those pesky flies called Tricos down river a ways? Seems a bit early but hey the water temps are getting up there and the water is staying low so not a huge surprise.
If you float a canyon section be sure to bring a nymph version of the Yellow Sally. If you are fishing up closer to Craig or above try swinging a soft hackle at noses the fish may try to steal your rod.
The flows are now about 3080 cfs (normally ~6919 cfs). Water temps at the dam are ~60, as usual a bit warmer down river. The water is slowly creeping back up with bug hatches getting heavier as the cfs increase along with the water temperatures climbing. The clouds, if we get some, can help the fishing on the hot days. We are seeing Caddis, PMDs, Yellow Sallies, Midges and even Tricos on the Missouri River. I believe it pays off right now to hit the river early or to be prepared to stay late. Plan your days around the wind as well, it could be the difference between a headache and an epic day of fly fishing. If you want a piece of water to yourself get out here on the windy nasty days and tough it out.
You can keep an eye on Canyon Ferry Reservoir levels, weather and of course, streamflows on our Streamflows page.
See our Schools & Instruction Page for more information on our Fly Tying Schools and our 3-Day Fly Fishing School.
(We are posting river, weather and fishing conditions throughout the day on our Twitter feed. That is a great way to keep up with the dynamic conditions of the Season. If you use Twitter, please sign up to follow CrossCurrentsMT and you’ll get the latest, up-to-the-minute information. Please keep up with us on our Facebook page -give us a like! Thanks.)
Fly Suggestions:
Dries:
-#18-#20 Parachute Adams
-#16-#18 Harrop’s Last Chance Cripple
-#16-#18 PMD Sprout Emergers
-#16-#18 D&D Cripple PMD
-#16-#18 PMD Comparadun
-#16-#20 PMD Rusty Spinner
-#14-#16 CDC Stocking Wing Caddis
-#14-#16 Elk Hair (HiVis) Caddis, Brown
-#14-#12 TC Caddis Emerger
-#14-#16 X-Caddis
-#14-#18 Kingrey’s Spent Caddis
-#14-#16 Double Duck Caddis
Nymphs:
-#14-#18 Firebead ____ (something -they all are working)
-#14-#16 Tungsten Weight Flies (Rainbow, Purple, Gold)
-#16-#18 Lightning Bugs (Pink, Silver, Gold, Purple)
-#18-#22 Mirage Nymphs
-#16-#20 Superflash PT
-#18-#20 Zebra Midges (Black, Red, Purple)
-#14-#18 Anato-May-Rust
-#14-#18 Yellow Sally Emerger
-#12-#18 Hare’s Ear
-#14-#18 Spring Creek Superflash Pheasant Tail
Streamers:
-#6-#10 Buggers (Black, Black & Grizzly, Olive)
-#4-#6 Conehead Kiwi Muddler
-#4 Skiddish Smolt
