Heavy clouds, rain from time to time, snow from time to time and calm conditions will be the norm for days to come.  There will be moments of sun and we'll have a few balmy days in the 50's and 60's over the next couple of weeks.  But, for the most part, you'll see excellent dry fly weather for an extended period of time.  It's nice to see the moisture.  It rained fairly heavily today.

Figuring out what the fish are eating is pretty simple.  You only have midges to contend with.  About 10:00 AM this morning there were fish up most everywhere.  It didn't last too long, but it lasted long enough to get your heart pumping.  Attractor nymphs and slow moving streamers provided most of the action.  It went from great to "what happened" fairly quickly. 

The river wasn't crowded by any means.  It did have some boats on it, however.  Craig is starting to show signs of life again.  For now, the river belongs to local fishermen.  The weather man is predicting more of the same next weekend.  So are we. 

A little further east and we would have been in the cold snap that gripped the nation.  But, we're not.  It's been pretty nice here.  High temperatures in the mid 40's, calm, and partly cloudy.  Helena has a "stagnant air" warning it's so calm.  We get a breeze from time to time.

It looks like things will stay pretty much the same for the next ten days.  It's starting to feel like spring.  Things are perking up, including our report writing skills.  Cliff N., here ya go. 

Haiti:

No matter what the final outcome, it's going to be really bad.  All the news broadcasts are humbling.  They're going to need lots of help and hearts.

The following was taken from Yahoo.

The international Red Cross said a third of Haiti's 9 million people may need emergency aid and that it would take a day or two for a clear picture of the damage to emerge.

President Barack Obama promised an all-out rescue and humanitarian effort, adding that the U.S. commitment to its hemispheric neighbor will be unwavering.

"We have to be there for them in their hour of need," Obama said.

Other nations — from Iceland to Venezuela — said they would start sending in aid workers and rescue teams. Cuba said its existing field hospitals in Haiti had already treated hundreds of victims. The United Nations said Port-au-Prince's main airport was "fully operational" and open to relief flights.

There's hope.  The world appears to be jumping into action in a unified manner to help. 

Fishing with nymphs is pretty good.  You'll have to wait a few days until it warms up again, however.  Winter is here and you'll feel it in your bones this weekend.

Bonefish aren't that far away.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!

The river keeps giving.  Things are cooling down and the blue wings are all but gone.  But the fish still eat.  Big Fish got his 5-fish limit on Tuesday - walleye dejour. 

The weather is your friend.  Highs in the upper 40's to low 50's will greet you.  Winter will get here, but doens't threaten an appearance for several days.  The off season is officially here.  We're in the shop Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Thank you for the wonderful 2009 season.  Now, head to the flats.

Weather reports, regardless of the on-line source, are pretty accurate for the near future.  For the most part, you can count on the forecast for a few days.  Beyond that .............it's Montana. 

Long term trends can be counted on as well.  The earth is tipping.  The more it tips, the more we move towards winter.  The days seem very short.  They'll get shorter.  The weather is trending towards winter.  Air temperatures will only reach into the 30's this week.  Clouds will be prevalent and snow is slightly in the picture.  Are you ready for winter?   Or, are you enjoying the best fishing of the year?  It's still fall and the fishing remains excellent.  Bring layers.

Pseudos are starting to wane.  True baetis will begin to take over.  Nymphing is productive, but you're still in the weeds.  Slabs on streamers are found below the Dam.  Soft hackles both big and small work.  When the W.I.N.D. settles down, think crippled.

Water temperatures are likewise trending down.  The fish know it. At 49° and 3700 cfs, the Missouri is in prime shape.  When you get a break in the weather, the river's surface is alive.  When the weather is unsettled, you'll have to work for your fish.  It's worth it.

 

If you have outside work to do, the next few days will provide the weather you need to be comfortable.  High temperatures will reach into the upper 60's to low 70's.  It won't be t-shirt weather, but it will feel warm compared to the recent arctic blast that hit the area. 

By Sunday, we'll be back in baetis soup once again.  You have plenty of time to prepare.  After Saturday, you must fish.  Forget about work.  It isn't worth it when there are so many important fish to catch.  Big fish.  On tiny dry flies. 

Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62.

Monday: A chance of rain and snow. Snow level 3500 feet rising to 6000 feet in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49.

Tuesday: A slight chance of rain and snow showers. Snow level 3500 feet rising to 6500 feet in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54.

We've slipped into the fall weather pattern you've been waiting for.  Baetis have really just begun, but they are out in force.  If you can't get them with dries, sink to the depths with streamers.  Both meal plans are on the current menu. 

Enjoy the river.  It's fishing.