Settling In

At 8300 cfs, the Missouri may be higher than you're use to. The tributaries continue to run above average and off color. Despite both issues, the Missouri is fishing well. At times, very well. You won't see a ton of fish on top, but you will find them on your line. You don't have to dig quite as deep and you don't have to wait long for something to happen. Increased water temperatures over the last few days may have taken the river into its realm.

While the river is still dirty below the Dearborn River confluence, it is fishable. Nymphs rule. Streamers are effective, but you have to stay with it. BWO's, midges, and March Browns, Seek the side channels. It makes a difference. So does the worm (in the dirt).

Craig BBQ - Saturday 4:00 PM until ?

Weather

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. Breezy, with a west southwest wind between 13 and 23 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. West southwest wind between 4 and 7 mph becoming calm.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 76.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.

Tuesday: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63.

Here it comes.

How fast will it get here? Streamflows statewide have increased due to the heat and the consequent melt down. Without a dam to buffer the flows, Montana's freestone streams will or have blown. Steady as she flows on the Missouri. Canyon Ferry Lake is 80% full. It will take awhile to fill up our flood control buffer and for Mother Nature to take over the river's management. For now, enjoy the river. You have a window of opportunity. Keep an eye on the tributaries. The Dearborn will increasingly add dirt to the Mo. At this point, all sections of the Missouri are producing.

Bugs

Warming water temps and an abundance of bugs are bringing some fish to the surface. It's mostly a nymphing game, but looking up seems to be an obvious choice for the fish. BWO's, Midges, Caddis, and March Browns are all in the mix. The worm, black midge larvae, PT's, and pink all produce. It's great streamer water.

You really should have a boat. Wading is limited without one.

Weather

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. North northeast wind between 5 and 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Some of the storms could produce small hail and gusty winds. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Breezy, with a west southwest wind 6 to 9 mph increasing to between 21 and 24 mph. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph.

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 61. West wind between 16 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70.

Saturday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65.

Sunday: A slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 75.

Here it comes.

How fast will it get here? Streamflows statewide have increased due to the heat and the consequent melt down. Without a dam to buffer the flows, Montana's freestone streams will or have blown. Cooler, but not chilly weather will help hold things back for a day or two.

Steady as she flows on the Missouri. Canyon Ferry Lake is 81% full. It will take awhile to fill up our flood control buffer and for Mother Nature to take over the river's management. For now, enjoy the river. You have a window of opportunity.

Keep an eye on the tributaries. The Dearborn made it to 1800 before it crested. The river is clear from the Dam to Wolf Creek. Fishable from Little Prickly Pear Creek to the Dearborn River. Iffy from there on.

Bugs

Warming water temps and an abundance of bugs are bringing some fish to the surface. It's mostly a nymphing game, but looking up seems to be an obvious choice for the fish. BWO's, Midges, Caddis, and March Browns are all in the mix. The worm, black midge larvae, PT's, and pink all produce. It's great streamer water.

You really should have a boat. Wading is limited without one.

Weather

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 66. Calm wind becoming east between 4 and 7 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Southeast wind 7 to 11 mph becoming northeast.

Saturday: A slight chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73.

Memorial Day: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 71.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.

Spring has arrived (now that it's almost summer)

River flows are the main table topic. The Missouri is chugging along at 8,700 cfs. By Wednesday, we'll see 10,000 cfs as the Bureau of Reclamation implements its river management scheme. At 8,700 cfs, the Mo is still fishing. There's not a ton of fish rising, but there are some. The Missouri's wild trout are primarily stuffing themselves with subsurface appetizers. Fat and healthy describes the fish. What will they look like when spring runoff stops flowing through the gates at Holter Dam? Our guess.......like they are on steroids.

Recent rain has brought the local tributaries up once again. With warmer weather in the forecast, expect tributary flows to remain steady and high. Upper elevation snow melt will fill in the void left behind by the middle elevation meltdown. The Missouri is clear from the Dam to Little Prickly Pear. You'll have river right from Little Prickly Pear to the Dearborn River. For now, the Missouri below the Dearborn Confluence is iffy. As long as we don't get more rain, you should see the river clear and fish to Cascade once again. Call 800-337-8528 for the latest info.

Bugs

It's mostly a nymphing game, but looking up seems to be an obvious choice for the fish. BWO's, Midges, Caddis, and March Browns are all in the mix. The worm, black midge larvae, PT's, and pink all produce. It's awesome streamer water. You might think about a sink tip.

You really should have a boat. Wading is limited without one. At 10,000 cfs, you will be confined to the boat most of the day.

Weather

Memorial Day: Isolated showers, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. West wind 5 to 7 mph becoming north northeast. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Southwest wind between 5 and 11 mph.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. West southwest wind between 8 and 13 mph.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.

Sunday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72.

Trout Shop Cafe

Open weekends for delicious dinner specials, appetizers, and cocktails that are certain to hit the spot. Enjoy Sheri's awesome breakfast. Start and end your day telling stories.

The River is Stretching Out

Little Prickly Pear Creek continues to decline despite the heat. The Dearborn River, on the other hand, is showing some strength. It doesn't matter, the Bureau of Reclamation has laid an 1800 cfs layer of clean water on the Dearborn dirt. The river is clear from the Dam to the Dearborn and very fishable from there on. The fish are happy and the bugs are early. Fishing is good.  

Bugs

Boat loads of caddis and now PMD's, yes PMD's. Add midges and March browns to the mix and you have a full-course meal. The fish are hungry and are eating steamers. Nymphing deep is bending rods. Dry fly fishing is not a myth. The evening holds some promise. Caddis

Wading

You really should have a boat or a guide. Wading is very limited and possibly dangerous. At 10,500 cfs, you will be confined to the boat most of the day. Mike Been likes this time of year. Our new RO and Clackacraft rental boats are returned pretty clean on the inside.

Excellent Water Year

We're all winners in the Montana Trout World. Water is everywhere. It's green and lush. The river is equally blessed. Higher than average flows are a nuisance now, but will pay big dividends in the not-so-distant future. Can you imagine what the Missouri's wild trout will act like this summer?

Runoff seems to be coming at a steady pace rather than a sudden gush. It's manageable. High temperatures will reach the mid-to-upper 60's. Low's will get into the upper 30's. Steady as she flows should remain the norm.

Get ready. If predictions are right, we should be at the tail end of run off in two or three weeks. Canyon Ferry Lake normally fills at a rate of 0.7% per day. It's 87.9% full now. When it's full, spring run off is suppose to be near its end. When it is, we won't have to imagine what it's like to see large trout eating gobs of tiny mayflies and caddis .

Bugs

Cooler weather may change things. It's more like baetis weather-cloudy and cool. Who knows? The lack of clouds may over power the rivers current. You might see a head or two. When it's warm, caddis are out in abundance below Craig. March Browns and midges round out the daily mix. PMD's have been around - in significant numbers at times. Deep nymphing and throwing streamers both yield results. If you like throwing streamers, this is your kind of water.

Wading

Not happening. You need a boat.

Weather

Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61. North northeast wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 64. North northeast wind between 7 and 11 mph.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. North northeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.

Thursday: A slight chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64.

Saturday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 65.

Monday: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. 
 

The Fish is On.

Colder weather may slow down the flows and cool some caddis jets. Don't worry, they'll be back....the caddis that is. It won't be hot outside for awhile, but it will start warm into the 70's.

We're not so sure about the flows. Currently, the Mo is chugging along at 8,500 cfs. The rumor mill is predicting flows of around 7,000 cfs. We haven't seen an official notification yet. Last weekend's wet weather may change the plan. Canyon Ferry Lake is 92.7% full. Inflows are outpacing the outflows by about 7,000 cfs and gradually filling our flood control pool. Runoff is definitely slowing down. The Dearborn River is on the edge of being perfect. The Missouri is clear from the Dam to Cascade.

Expect fish and fishermen to start focusing on the Missouri's surface as the river drops and temperatures increase. Cliff is a little tired of chasing the blue can down the river. Once we slip back into summer, the river's insects will show themselves. PMD's and Calibaetis will rejoin the caddis mix. For the next few days, bring steamers, nymphs, caddis dries, and an assortment of mayfly dries. Who knows what will happen? You might even see a few baetis. Montana........

You can't walk and wade all over the place, but the river is far more user friendly than it was only a few days ago. A guide or a boat will definitely help you.

Weather

Monday: A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. East northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tuesday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61. Light northwest wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 66. Calm wind becoming north between 4 and 7 mph.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.

Friday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74.

Saturday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73.

Rumors are sometimes wrong....That's a good thing.

Now, the fish is on. The river will drop to 5,700cfs Wednesday, not 7,000 cfs. Let the fish begin. Get in your car and get here.

Caddis, PMD's, Pseudos, perhaps a March Brown or two. Our guess.....They'll eat most anything (on top). The magic level of 6,000 cfs is here.

4,100 cfs on Monday. Game On

We're right on the edge of greatness. If you put your nymph rod down and look for big trout eating dry flies in skinny water, you'll find them. As we get closer to the promised 4100 cfs and the river stabilizes, the Champagne of Fly Fishing will be uncorked and you won't have to look very hard. Enjoy. The Missouri's wild trout are fat and sassy. Clouds are in the picture all week.

Caddis and PMD's are out in moderate numbers. Where are the mass numbers? You won't have to wait long. Will the brown drakes come this year? We'll find out soon. If the weather doesn't cooperate, the Green Weenie will carry the day.

Dinner Special - June 15

Swiss Steak with Mashed Potatoes, Corn on the Cob, and Biscuits - $8.95

Weather

Monday: A slight chance of showers, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. West southwest wind between 6 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. West southwest wind between 7 and 9 mph.

Wednesday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. West southwest wind between 7 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.

Saturday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 80.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75.

So, what are they doing with the river?

Hmmmm. It will be OK. An unexpected upward adjustment came yesterday. And, what is the river really flowing at? The link above doesn't seem to jive with the reported values on the USG site. Anyway, we think the river will be at 6,500 cfs by Saturday morning. 3 minor adjustments will get the job done. The adjustments are scheduled to happen in the wee hours of the morning. Your fishing may or may not be affected. How's that for a river report? Confused?

We do know that flows have been increased to mitigate increased flows coming into the Missouri's drainage system. Canyon Ferry Lake is 98.6% full. Flows coming into the lake are 11,800 cfs. Flows coming out of the system are less. When the lake is full, it's full. Fortunately, there's a 3 vertical feet buffer zone at the lake. As long as flows coming into the system are not extreme, the buffer zone can be used to keep flows in check below Holter Dam.

One thing is certain - the lake will fill. The Trout Win. Fishing is great now. July will be bazaar in an awesome way.

For now, PMD's and Caddis rule. You might have to seek the subsurface, but we doubt it. The game is still on.

We hope you are doing well, Mike AKA B#1

Waves of Bugs and Higher Flows

Wow, what a difference a few days makes. Flows are going straight up. Where will they stop? Torrential rain has put pressure on the drainage system. Flows coming into the system are at 13,800 cfs and declining. Canyon Ferry Lake is 19% into the flood pool - it's over full. Flows leaving the system are at 9,000 cfs + and climbing. Dry and warm weather is forecast for several days. With any luck, the incoming pressure will subside and outgoing flows will become stable.

Fishing remains great. Even through the rising tide, the Missouri's wild trout are peaking at the top. They can't resist the abundance of bugs - caddis and pmd's mostly. You may run into some yellow sally's. They're thick too. Brown Drakes? Got streamers? Nymphs produce regularly.

Wading access is difficult to find. A boat will be handy and for the most part necessary. Guides are busy. If you want a guided trip, please make your reservation as soon as possible. Rentals boats are busy too.

Trout Shop Cafe

• Friday - Pulled Pork Sandwiches and Homemade Macaroni and Cheese $8.95
• Saturday - Prime Rib $18.95
• Sunday - Spaghetti and Meatballs - $8.95

The Pressure is Off and the Fish is Still On.

Flows are steadily declining coming into the Missouri's drainage system - 11,300 cfs coming in and 10,500 cfs going out. While Canyon Ferry Lake is 28.2% into the flood control pool, a decrease in flows is likely in the near future. Last year, Canyon Ferry Lake was 50% into the flood pool at it's peak. As the pressure decreases, so will the flows. It's going to be a fantastic water year.

The Bugs.....

Caddis, PMD's, Yellow Sally's, Calibaetis, Brown Drakes?, Mosquitoes - When the river drops, you'll see them getting gobbled off the surface in a shameful display of fish gluttony. Break out your dry fly rods. Let the summer games begin. Got Royal Wulff's?

Weather

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. West wind between 9 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 80. West wind between 8 and 11 mph.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 87. Southwest wind between 8 and 13 mph.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 80.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.

The Pressure is Off and the Fish is Still On

It won't be long now. Incoming flows are approaching the 8,000 cfs level. Outgoing flows are at 10,500 cfs. While we are still 30% into the flood pool at Canyon Ferry Lake, the reduced incoming flows may allow the river managers to pull some levers and reduce the flows below Holter Dam.

Caddis, PMD's, Yellow Sallies, and a few Brown Drakes are all in the mix. Despite higher flows, dry fly action is a real possibility - especially towards dark. When the river drops to its seasonal norm, expect the river to light up. It's great now. It will be awesome very soon.

The Trout Shop Cafe - July 4

• Rocky and Chris' famous BBQ Ribs and Brisket
• Somebody will be shooting off fire works.
• The town will be buzzing

Smile, The River will be in the Zone by Thursday.

Statement from the Bureau of Reclamation on June 30, 2009

It appears the high elevation snowmelt is essentially over, as inflows into Canyon Ferry have declined to near 8,000 cfs and continue to decline. To continue evacuating storage from the exclusive flood pool and provide relief to the high river flows in the Missouri River downstream of Canyon Ferry Dam, the following operation changes are required at Canyon Ferry Dam and Powerplant.

7,200 cfs - Here it comes! Sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

July 1

The water line visible on the side of the river bank provides proof that the Bureau of Reclamation is sticking to their plan. Down goes the river. 9,000 cfs at 10:30 pm. Caddis have already noticeably reacted. Craig was fairly quiet at 9:00 pm. There must be something worth staying on the river for. It's here.

Caddis, PMD's, Yellow Sallies, and a few Brown Drakes are all in the mix. Get ready for the river to boil. Tricos are not far away. Set your nymph and streamer rods down and give your dry fly rod a work out.

Fewer Boats? More Waders - Down Goes the River.

Finally, the drop you have been waiting for will happen. If you thought the river was awesome at 7,500 cfs, you'll have a new definition of awesome by Wednesday. The bugs will go crazy and the Missouri's huge trout will be looking up in a bigger way.

Caddis, PMD's, Yellow Sallies, and Brown Drakes. Tricos are brewing and will likely pop when the river drops. Long and eventful days on the river will be the norm. Every section of the river is giving up something good and different. Caddis and PMD's dominate the action on the upper river. The further down you go, the more likely you are to see Sallies and Drakes. It's high cotton.

Fishing.....

Caddis and PMD's still rule the upper river. Terrestrials are taking the lead from the Canyon on down to Cascade. Ants and small hoppers should be in your box. Heads are seen most of the day on the upper river when the weather cooperates. Spent caddis and PMD spinners are a must. You'll have to look a little harder on the lower river to find the heads you're looking for (and the flotilla of splash and gigglers). Heads aren't everything. Or, are they? Tricos? Where are they? It can't be long. We've seen a few, but we expect to see billions. Nymphs work all day. It's more technical out there now. You may see the heads, but can you get them to eat? Presentation.........

Same report as yesterday, except....... A change in the river is on its way.

Normal summertime weather will greet you on the river this week. Wind doesn't look like much of a factor. The sun will have to be dealt with.

There's a lot of big fish out there.  They haven't gone anywhere in the last couple of days with the possible exception of, perhaps, the bottom of the river.  Mornings and evenings will disclose a few heads.  The last hour of light can be great.  Nymphing below a hopper is starting to be fashionable in the afternoons.  You'll catch fish on both.  It's August.  Fishing continues to be great especially for this time of year.  It's not July.  The river is in excellent shape.

Caddis are still around in very strong numbers.  They come out late. Like most of the bugs hatching right now, you'll find more caddis on the upper river.  PMD's are an evening affair.  Morning risers are most likely eating spent caddis and/or pmd spinners.  Tricos can be strong depending upon the weather.  This morning's breeze sent most of them to Recreation Road and beyond. 

We are slipping into August where racking up numbers of fish isn't the game's goal.  You'll fish either big terrestrials or very small mayflies.  Skill will matter.  There are a significant number of people on the river.  It's not July.  It's not crowded during the weekdays.