Fishing Reports Feeds From Thetroutshop.com http://thetroutshop.com/ Fishing Reports Feeds From Thetroutshop.com en-us Fri, 3 Sep 2010 16:20:12 GMT http://www.thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports/rss UCMS <![CDATA[Missouri River - September 2nd, 2010]]> http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#912 Recorded:  Sunny60 ° F Fishing: Good

Anywhere from 40° to 85° will greet you on the river.  Cool nights, however, are the norm.  We can't remember the last time we had to light our wood stoves in August was, but we're not ready for winter quite yet.  There's lots of fall fishing coming your way.  Cool nights are cooling the river and heating up the activity.

If you like to throw streamers or nymphs, then the Mo is for you.  If you're patient and like the lower river, you'll find some serious dry fly fishing on cloudy cool days.  You're in luck.  We'll have a few nice days, but mostly we'll have cool with a chance of rain most days.  Watch the weather and pick your dry fly days accordingly.  There's still a few weeks before we swing into fall.  By then, it will probably be 90°.  Or, it could be like last year - bitter cold from time to time.  It's that time of year.

For now, throw nymphs, hoppers, ants, and streamers.  The fish are very fat and very strong.  Soon, you'll forget about hardware and start to throw dries.

Check out our web site's bargain center.  Our manufacturers have released their changed and discontinued inventory.  We have many, many great items for sale at near wholesale prices.  Get ready for fall!




]]> Thu, 2 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#912 <![CDATA[Missouri River - August 30th, 2010]]> http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#908 Recorded:  Cloudy45 ° F Fishing: Good

What do you know?  A big change in the weather has made a difference in your fishing.  It feels and looks like mid October.  Clouds were down to the top of the cottonwoods yesterday.  Low pressure let some fish rise to the top.

It's great streamer weather.  Plain old olive wooly buggers are working their magic.  At the Dam, you'll get plenty of action with very large rainbows and browns.  The crowds that were jamming up the river below the Dam have started to spread out.  So, you can catch large trout in relative peace.

Pelican Point to Cascade has been frequented more often lately.  Two days ago, 10 boats covered this section.  Fishing reports were OK, but not great.  Yesterday, only 1 boat covered this section.  The anglers started out slow, but had a glimpse of what's to come.  Baetis, yes baetis, were out in solid numbers.  So was a sulphur colored PMD.  Most importantly, the fish were eating them off the top.

We're still in August and most of the time you'll be fishing terrestrials and nymphs.  The river is in great shape and is priming itself for the fall fish fest.  It won't be long now.  Cool and longer nights will cool the river further.  While some baetis have been spotted, they're still a few weeks out from being the real deal.  When they are................ you'll be here.

Weather will be on your side through Wednesday.  With the river at 4,600 cfs and 61°, fishing is generally good.  With the cloud cover promised for the short term, it could be great.


]]> Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#908 <![CDATA[Missouri River - August 26th, 2010]]> http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#898 Recorded:  Sunny79 ° F Fishing: Good

Down, down, down goes the air temperatures - 98° today and only 60° by Sunday.  Who knows, it could snow.  Expect mixed weather for several days with high temperatures in the 70's to low 80's.  So far, we have not reached 100° this year.  It has been a very pleasant summer.

Fishing remains good for the few that are fishing.  The crowds have cleared out.  The only busy section is near the Dam where anglers are catching many large fish on nymphs and midge larva patters.  We've had mixed reviews in the Canyon.  The Pelican to Cascade section is starting to see more boats.  Hoppers and Ants seem to be the hot ticket.  The ticket is not red hot, but it does produce enough top water activity to keep you amused.

Special Notice:

Help protect the world-class, multi-million dollar, wild trout fishery in the Missouri River. Tell Montana’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission by September 6 that you support a regulation allowing no limit on walleye harvest in the river between Holter and Black Eagle Dams.

Contact Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission by email at

fwpfsh@mt.gov or submit written comments to:

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, c/o Don Skaar, Fish Management Section Supervisor, 1420 East Sixth Avenue, Helena, MT 59601

Growing risk:

and trout. Reducing the risk to the wild trout population from predation and competition for space is reasonable and warranted. The proposed regulation would allow unlimited walleye harvest by anglers. It is a cost-effective tool for helping

maintain low levels of walleye in the river.

Biological data shows that in some years, the numbers of walleye in the world-class wild trout stretch of the Missouri, will likely increase as they move downstream from upper river reservoirs. Similarly, anglers report increasing walleye catches throughout the wild trout stretch. Walleyes are highly predacious. They eat whitefish, suckers, perch

Incomplete, unreliable data:

Walleyes tagged in the reservoir are regularly caught by anglers below Holter Dam and walleyes are incidentally captured as part of annual trout population electrofishing surveys. But there remains no clear, complete picture of walleye trends or walleye reproductive success in the river below Holter Dam. Biologists simply do not have enough data to accurately assess how significant predation by walleyes could be on wild trout.


Walleye implanted with radio-telemetry tags reveal that walleyes reside in this stretch of river.

Eighteen-month delay:


Young trout are the most susceptible to walleye predation. Montana FWP’s current methods for counting young trout are not effective in detecting trout less than two years in age. Escalating walleye populations could reduce young trout numbers for several years before biologists are able to reliably measure the effect in future year classes of older fish. And that’s why a precautionary principle should be employed: reduce walleye numbers before they escalate.

In-river spawning: Dearborn River has increasingly shifted successful wild trout spawning to the Missouri River main stem, where young wild trout are at significantly greater risk of walleye predation. A water year with early walleye-laden flushing flows over the Holter Dam, coupled with a summer of low river flows and elevated water temperatures could benefit walleyes and result in increased predation on young trout.

Eliminate walleye below Holter:


Walleye are not native to Montana. Yet, because of legal and illegal stocking upstream, they have been in the Missouri River for years at low population levels. Walleyes cannot be cost effectively eradicated from the wild trout stretch of the Missouri. The proposed regulation is a good first step to ensure walleye don’t harm the popular wild trout fishery of the Missouri River.

The proposed regulation does not pit angler against angler: 
Because of habitat limitations,

the Missouri River below Holter Dam will never be a high-quality walleye fishery. But it is currently a world-class wild trout fishery. Attempting to manage the river for wild trout together with walleyes, could lead to a diminished wild trout fishery and a mediocre walleye fishery. There are many other places in Montana where walleyes thrive without harming other sport fisheries. And TU and other support walleye management in these waters. However, there are few, if any, better places to fish for wild trout than in the Missouri River below Holter Dam.

Economic impact:

To review the proposed fishing regulation changes go to this link: http://fwp.mt.gov/fishing/regulations/tentatives/.


The Missouri River wild trout fishery is a famous and world-class resource consistently ranking in the top three waters for angler use in Montana. According to Montana FWP, angling in this reach of river annually generates tens of millions of dollars as well as hundreds of jobs. Further, property values along this reach of the river are tied to a high-quality trout fishery. Not suppressing the walleye population in this stretch could put at risk this significant economic generator.





]]> Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#898 <![CDATA[Missouri River - August 24th, 2010]]> http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#891 Recorded:  Sunny43 ° F Fishing: Good

Brrrrr....... only 43° this morning.  Steam was coming off the river as the river's warmth hit the cool mountain air.  It's not quite fall yet, but it sure feels like it.  Got fleece?  You won't need it for the next couple of days, but you will this weekend as temperatures plummet to the mid 60's for daytime highs. 

Many anglers are hovering around the Dam with good reason.  They're consistently catching very large fish with nymphs (midge larva).  Is that why you come to the Missouri?  If not, check out the canyon section.  Success on hoppers is a more common theme. 

We don't expect the river to come alive on the surface until we get into what the calendar says is autumn.  Still, with the cool temperatures and a river that is in great shape, don't count it out entirely.  For late August, the river is in prime shape.


]]> Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#891 <![CDATA[Missouri River - August 23rd, 2010]]> http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#884 Recorded:  Sunny68 ° F Fishing: Good

It's late August and the river is acting like late August.  The weather, on the other hand, is quite pleasant.  High temperatures will only reach the upper 60's today.  As the week progresses, you'll start to see normal temperatures in the upper 80's to low 90's return.  Normal weather won't last long.  By the weekend, you'll see temperatures that are representative of fall.  The first sale of the day was a wool hat.

Cool temperatures are great for the river.  At 62° and 4,300 cfs, the Mo is in its prime.  The only thing lacking is the bugs.  Caddis are just about gone.  Tricos make up most of the bio mass.  There are tons of tricos, but very few fish eating them.  Instead, our fish are eating subsurface.  Midge patterns and traditional nymphs seem to be the best producers.  Hoppers hold some top water surprises.  Ants (Dan's Fat Bubbas) and Bloom's Flying Ants produce when hoppers won't (and when they do).

The river is fairly quiet with the exception of the weekends.  Most anglers are seeking the cool water and fat fish below the Dam.  The pleasure floaters that haven't headed to school yet are on all sections of the river.

Be patient.  The river is in prime condition.  When the bugs return, you'll see the surface come alive once again.  If you're a die hard dry fly angler, there's still some hope for you.  Think small and make the first cast count.  The lack of pressure will help improve your chances as well.


]]> Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#884 <![CDATA[Missouri River - August 18th, 2010]]> http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#861 Recorded:  Sunny66 ° F Fishing: Good

The river is acting like it normally does in August - with an attitude.  Sometimes you'll get them and other times you won't.  Water temperatures and a decline in insect activity are the main culprits.

Despite the fact that it is August, the river is in pretty good shape.  At 4,750 cfs and 62°, you'd think the river would produce.  It does, just not on small dries like it does earlier and later in the year.  PMD's are gone and Caddis are fading.  Tricos, Pseudos, and Midges remain in good numbers.  Will the fish eat them?  From time to time they will, but nymphing will produce far better results.  If you insist upon fishing dry flies, take your time and get it right with your first shot.  It's not easy. Hoppers and droppers - it's that time of the year. 

It looks like we'll see fairly warm temperatures into the upper 80's for several days.  While the river is cool for this time of year, seeking the coolest water by the Dam will yield the best results.  There's a few anglers out there, but overall, the river isn't crowded.






]]> Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#861 <![CDATA[Missouri River - August 11th, 2010]]> http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#840 Recorded:  Mostly sunny76 ° F Fishing: Great

You'll get a little reprieve from the heat for the next few days.  High temperatures will only reach into the 70's.  The river is breathing a sigh of relief.  There's less pressure as usual for August.  The hustle and bustle of Craig has been toned down to a dull roar.

Cooler air temperatures will help keep the river's temperature at bay.  At 64°, you'll find fish up early and late.  Midday, you'll be fishing nymphs.  Hoppers make great bobbers.  They also catch some fish.  Seek cooler water in the swifter runs for the best results. Stay out late and catch the last couple of hours of daylight.  You'll find some heads in a peaceful environment. We still have Caddis, PMD's, Tricos and the green curse (Pseudos).  Spent Caddis will help save the day.

While 64° isn't bathtub water and is normal for August, it's still fairly warm for our trout.  Please get your fish in quickly and let them go right away.  If you must take photos, do it while the fish are in the river.  They'll thank you again some other day.






]]> Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#840 <![CDATA[Missouri River - August 10th, 2010]]> http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#829 Recorded:  Hot70 ° F Fishing: Great

For August, fishing is excellent.  The late starting season continues to chug along.  When will it settle into a typical August fishing pattern?  It probably won't be long.

Warm temperatures are starting to heat up the river.  If you're a small dry fly enthusiast, you'll need to stick to the upper river where water temperatures are a little cooler.  The river starts its day at 64°.  By late afternoon, you'll find it a few degrees warmer.  We've certainly seen the river warmer, but the heat of the day will slow down your top water excitement.  Nymphs continue to produce on all sections of the river.  The further you travel downstream, the warmer the water gets and the slower your day will become.

PMD's, Caddis and Tricos are still around in good numbers.  Hoppers are starting to look good.  Still, we like to throw little dries and are pleased with the opportunites available to us.  If you're not getting them on dries, it won't hurt you to dangle a nymph below your favorite Hopper pattern. 




]]> Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#829 <![CDATA[Missouri River - July 30th, 2010]]> http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#805 Recorded:  Sunny70 ° F Fishing: Excellent

Fishing remains excellent, but the game has changed a little.  Nymphing continues to be the easiest way to catch fish.  Anywhere on the river, you'll find success.  Dry fly fishing is consistent, but it isn't easy.  Be patient and make your first cast count.

There are plenty of bugs.  Last night's drive home left little doubt that caddis were out in mass at the time (9:30 PM).  Motorcyclists did not find any humor in the caddis shower they took on the interstate.  PMD Spinners continue to feed the Mo's picky trout.  Spent Caddis are irresistible when presented delicately.  Tricos will entice a few fish.  While we are slipping into August, small dry flies will continue to take the lead in your fly selection.  We're still in July.  Expect July conditions to extend well into August.  It seems as if everything is late this year.

As much as we hate to see July go, we are indeed heading into August.  Weather will feel much more like August for several days.  It will be hot and dry.  Air temperatures will reach the upper 80's to low 90's most of the time.  Nighttime lows will be a little warmer than they have been. 

At 4,100 cfs and 63°, the Mo is in prime shape.  The further you head downstream, you will find warmer water temperatures and fewer bugs. The upper river is busiest, but the river is generally not busy.  Crowding is not an issue.  Dry fly fishing is found where the bugs are - from the Dam to Mid Canon.  As the river warms, expect anglers to seek the water below the Dam.


]]> Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#805 <![CDATA[Missouri River - July 25th, 2010]]> http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#794 Recorded:  Sunny78 ° F Fishing: Excellent

You're in the magic zone now.  River flows are around 4,700 cfs, the Mo's water temperature is 62°, there are tons of bugs (blanket hatches) and we're expecting great weather.  Add a few clouds to the picture, and you'll see the river's surface come alive. 

While everything seems a little late this year, this upcoming week should prove to be the time to be here.  Stable flows, high temperatures in the upper 80's and calm winds will have the Missouri wild trout looking up.  They won't be able to resist the conveyor belt of food floating above them.  We've seen some daytime risers, but not as many as we'd like.  Stable water flows could change that.  Expect the caddis hatch to explode midday.  PMD Spinners and Spent Caddis produce.  Early birds will get the worm with Trico Duns.

Expect the river from the Dam to Mid Canyon to be busy.  Follow the bugs and you'll find the dry fly anglers.  Nymphing produces seemingly all the time on any stretch of the river.  We expect the dry fly fishing to be so good that a nymph or streamer rod won't be necessary.  Still, we'd bring one.


]]> Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#794 <![CDATA[Missouri River - July 22nd, 2010]]> http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#787 Recorded:  Sunny56 ° F Fishing: Excellent

Here it comes............... perhaps the last river adjustment we'll see for awhile.  According to the Bureu of Reclamation, at 1:00 PM on Thursday, the river will be adjusted downward to around 4,500 cfs - a prime dry fly fishing level.  If history provides any insight, expect the river to stabilize, the bugs to go wild and the surface to fill with riseforms. 

Weather will hold the key towards your top water experience from here on out.  Wind will be your greatest enemy.  Expect a small afternoon dose from the south and then from the north. By Saturday, things should settle down.  Typically, it becomes calmer in the evenings. 

Caddis will light up the evening river.  PMD Spinners should not be overlooked.  If you get up early, add Trico Duns to the mix.  It's summer.  There are lots of bugs.

Thursday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly cloudy, with a high near 79. West southwest wind between 8 and 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. West wind between 7 and 10 mph.

Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon. Partly cloudy, with a high near 74. West northwest wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 49. North northwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 84. Southwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 53.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 88.

Don't delay.  The bugs won't last forever.


]]> Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#787 <![CDATA[Missouri River - July 20th, 2010]]> http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#783 Recorded:  Sunny60 ° F Fishing: Excellent

Has the river hit bottom?  Not quite yet.  There's still a couple of minor adjustments to come: 

Subject: Canyon Ferry Water Release Order - CFR No. 10-42

GENERAL COMMENTS:

Streamflows upstream of Canyon Ferry continue to slowly decrease. To continue evacuating storage from the exclusive flood pool and gradually decrease releases to the Missouri River, the following operation changes are required at Canyon Ferry Dam & Powerplant.

CANYON FERRY RELEASES AND OPERATIONS:

All times are Mountain Daylight Savings Time (MDST)

At 0100 hour on Wednesday, July 21, 2010:

Maintain releases through the river outlet gates at 0 cfs.

Maintain releases through the spillway gates at 0 cfs.

Decrease turbine releases to 4,500 cfs (

Maintain releases for Helena Valley Project at 710 cfs (360 cfs pumped to Helena Valley and 350 cfs discharged to the Missouri River).

Decrease average daily release to the Missouri River to about 4,850 cfs.

Decrease average total release from Canyon Ferry to about 5,210 cfs.

≈ 1,170 MW-Hrs/day using 92.1 cfs/mw).

At 0100 hour on Thursday, July 22, 2010:

Maintain releases through the river outlet gates at 0 cfs.

Maintain releases through the spillway gates at 0 cfs.

Decrease turbine releases to 4,000 cfs (

≈ 1,040 MW-Hrs/day using 92.1 cfs/mw).

 Maintain releases for Helena Valley Project at 710 cfs (360 cfs pumped to Helena Valley and 350 cfs discharged to the Missouri River).

Decrease average daily release to the Missouri River to about 4,350 cfs.

Decrease average total release from Canyon Ferry to about 4,710 cfs. 

At 4,300 cfs, we're very close to matching incoming flows. It's still quite amazing that we're talking about river flows this late in July. August will NOT provide a case of the dog days of summer.

There's still plenty of July left. Caddis, PMD's, and Tricos are at the forefront. Upstream winds have been an issue in the afternoon for the last couple of days. Get out there early and find some fish on dries. While you'll find some midday risers, the river is still a little high to keep things going in the afternoon. By Friday, that will change. Nymphing will keep you busy in heat of the day. If the wind stays low, the evenings will bring back the surface activity we're sure you're looking for.

Enjoy the river. You're in the prime season.

Elevation: 3797.20; Storage: 1,898,600 acre-feet; River Release: 5,355 cfs; Inflow: 4,390 cfs;




]]> Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#783 <![CDATA[Missouri River - July 19th, 2010]]> http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#779 Recorded:  Sunny58 ° F Fishing: Excellent

The Bureau of Reclamation didn't lower the river as much as they promised, but they did take it to 5800 cfs - an excellent level for dry fly fishing and wading.  It looks like they will bring it down to 5,400 cfs today.  Now, if we can get the river managers to keep the flows steady.................  Inflows are around 4,200 and Canyon Ferry Lake is still 5% into the exclusive flood pool.  Don't expect more significant river flow reductions.  Game on.

Caddis and PMD's hold most of the attention.  Brown Drakes are all but a memory.  Yellow Sallies still are making themselves known on the lower river.  Tricos will be the real deal shortly.  They're past due.

Enjoy the river.  It's in perfect shape.


]]> Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#779 <![CDATA[Missouri River - July 17th, 2010]]> http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#774 Recorded:  Sunny87 ° F Fishing: Excellent

By Sunday, the river will drop to around 5400 cfs.  We could see further reductions, but they won't amount to much. It's pretty good right now (at 6.500 cfs).  Provided the river drops on Sunday as promised, the summer dry fly season has begun.

Hatches are heavy.  Caddis (blizzards of them), PMD's, Brown Drakes, Yellow Sallies and..................now, some Tricos.  You'll spend much of your time throwing caddis imitations.  LaFontaine's Buzz Ball is coming into its own.  PMD Spinners need to be in your box. Most customers are buying dry flies.

At 5,400 cfs, you'll be able to wade the river in many places.  We've seen daily reductions in flows below Holter Dam for several days.  Once the river stabalizes, the river's trout will find a permanent home.  They seem a little restless at the moment.  Still, you can get them on dries.  Stalking huge trout with tiny dry flies will be the name of the game.

Caddis hatches are already incredible.  As the river drops, the hatches intensify.  The Caddis hatch coming up will be something to behold.  It could be epic. The Mo's blanket PMD Spinner falls are simply mind boggling.  It's all happening now.

A lower river coupled with decent weather will keep the surface alive.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. West southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. West wind between 8 and 10 mph.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71.

Wednesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 79.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.


]]> Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#774 <![CDATA[Missouri River - July 15th, 2010]]> http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#760 Recorded:  Sunny75 ° F Fishing: Excellent

There are no excuses now.   The game is on.  The river will go to 5,300 cfs by Sunday.

From the Bureau of Reclamation July 15, 2010

Streamflows upstream of Canyon Ferry continue to slowly decrease. To continue evacuating storage from the exclusive flood pool and gradually decrease releases to the Missouri River, the following operation changes are required at Canyon Ferry Dam & Powerplant.

 

CANYON FERRY RELEASES AND OPERATIONS: All times are Mountain Daylight Savings Time (MDST)

At 1600 hour on Friday, July 16, 2010:

Decrease releases through the river outlet gates to 1,300 cfs.

Maintain releases through the spillway gates at 0 cfs.

Maintain turbine releases at 5,000 cfs (

Maintain releases for Helena Valley Project at 715 cfs (360 cfs pumped to Helena Valley and 355 cfs discharged to the Missouri River).

Decrease average daily release to the Missouri River to about 6,655 cfs.

Decrease average total release from Canyon Ferry to about 7,015 cfs.

≈ 1,310 MW-Hrs/day using 91.7 cfs/mw).

At 1600 hour on Saturday, July 17, 2010:

Decrease releases through the river outlet gates to 650 cfs.

Maintain releases through the spillway gates at 0 cfs.

Maintain turbine releases at 5,000 cfs (

Maintain releases for Helena Valley Project at 715 cfs (360 cfs pumped to Helena Valley and 355 cfs discharged to the Missouri River).

Decrease average daily release to the Missouri River to about 6,005 cfs.

Decrease average total release from Canyon Ferry to about 6,365 cfs.

≈ 1,310 MW-Hrs/day using 91.7 cfs/mw).

At 1600 hour on Sunday, July 18, 2010:

Decrease releases through the river outlet gates to 0 cfs.

Maintain releases through the spillway gates at 0 cfs.

Maintain turbine releases at 5,000 cfs (

Maintain releases for Helena Valley Project at 715 cfs (360 cfs pumped to Helena Valley and 355 cfs discharged to the Missouri River).

Decrease average daily release to the Missouri River to about 5,355 cfs.

Decrease average total release from Canyon Ferry to about 5,715 cfs.

≈ 1,310 MW-Hrs/day using 91.7 cfs/mw). Caddis, PMS's, Brown Drakes and Yellow Sallies are out in prolific numbers.  With flows of only 5,300 cfs, you'll be able walk and wade the entire river.  We'll see you out there.






]]> Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#760 <![CDATA[Missouri River - July 13th, 2010]]> http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#756 Recorded:  Windy65 ° F Fishing: Great

From the Bureau of Reclamation - Just what you wanted to hear!

Streamflows upstream of Canyon Ferry continue to slowly decrease.  To continue evacuating storage from the exclusive flood pool and gradually decrease releases to the Missouri River, the following operation changes are required at Canyon Ferry Dam & Powerplant.

At 1600 hour on Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Decrease average daily release to the Missouri River to about 8,885 cfs

At 1600 hour on Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Decrease average daily release to the Missouri River to about 8,115 cfs - A level where you can wade the river.

At 1600 hour on Thursday, July 15, 2010

Decrease average daily release to the Missouri river to about 7,355 cfs.

At 7,355 cfs, you'll find rising fish if the wind lays low.  That has not been the case for the last couple of days.  It has been anything, but calm.  The weatherman is calling for relative calm starting Wednesday.  Caddis, PMD's Brown Drakes and Yellow Sallies (and Tricos?) will fuel the dry fly parade that is about to come. 




]]> Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#756 <![CDATA[Missouri River - July 12th, 2010]]> http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#754 Recorded:  Windy82 ° F Fishing: Great

As the river declines, the fishing steadily improves.  At 4:00 PM today, you'll see the river deline to 9,500 cfs.  We're almost into the total dry fly zone.

From the Bureau of Reclamation - July 12, 2010

General Comments:

Streamflows upstream of Canyon Ferry have continued to decrease.  Due to increased irrigation demands, Helena Valley Irrigation District has requested an increase in diversions to Helena Valley Reservoir.  To meet the irrigation demands and continue evacuating storage from the exclusive flood pool, the following operation change is required at Canyon Ferry Dam & Powerplant.

With inflows at 7,050 cfs and Canyon Ferry Lake only 15% into the flood pool, the Burea of Reclamation has decided to reduce flows below Holter Dam.

Worm sales have slowed and dry fly bins are starting to diminish.  Caddis, PMD's, Brown Drakes, and Yellow Sallies are coming into their own.  You still need nymphs, but dry flies need to be in your arsenal for sure.

It's almost a solid green light.




]]> Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#754 <![CDATA[Missouri River - July 10th, 2010]]> http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#745 Recorded:  Sunny60 ° F Fishing: Good

The river is still dropping at a quick rate.  We didn't get a flow adjustment report from the Bureau of Reclamation yesterday, but it appears they are making downward adjustments again today.  With 7,600 coming in and 11,500 going out, there's plenty of room for further downward adjustments.  Canyon Ferry Lake is only 19.8% into the exclusive flood pool and is diminishing quickly. Snowmelt and the threat of flooding are obviously over.  Expect continuous cuts in flows below Holter Dam. You'll be in the prime dry fly zone with a flip of a switch.

Anticipation is heavy on most angler's minds. Caddis galore, PMD's, Yellow Sallies and more than one Brown Drake are feeding the Mo's already huge fish.  The lower river is drawing the majority of the the river's anglers.  Nymph fishing still dominates the action.  Anticipation will become reality as we ease into the prime zone.  When we get there, expect to see the river's surface light up with activity. 

So, what is the prime zone?  We like 10,000 cfs or less.  Wade fishing while dry fly fishing on flat water is the carrot at the end of the stick.  The lower the river gets, the more you can wade and the more likely you are to find rising fish.  At some point, however, the river is too low and the fish become skittish.  With all the water the Missouri has in reserve at Canyon Ferry Lake, we're very hopeful that the river will reach and stay in a prime zone all year long.  My how things change.  Remember, our snowpack was only 60% of normal.

As the river drops, the number of anglers increases.  There was a noticeable increase in river traffic yesterday.  Soon, the entire river will yield excellent results and the traffic will spread out. Fortunately, all the rivers in Montana are opening up to quality fishing.  If you're angling in Montana, you have lots of great options to choose from. 

If you're not already on your way to the Mo, you should make your plans to do so.  It's only a day or two away from the dry fly world you're seeking.  When you get here, you'll still need a boat or a guide to get around.  We have a couple of our eight new boats for rent and a few quality guides available.  It's busy.  If you need a way to get around the river, we suggest you make your reservations now.




]]> Sat, 10 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#745 <![CDATA[Missouri River - July 8th, 2010]]> http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#733 Recorded:  Sunny65 ° F Fishing: Good

Fishing is good now.  We'll have to skip the next rating of "Great" because soon it will be "Off the Charts" (Excellent).

Here's why:

 

With the high elevation snowmelt essentially over, streamflows upstream of Canyon Ferry Reservoir continue to decrease quickly. To slow the evacuation rate of storage from the exclusive flood pool and gradually decrease releases to the Missouri River, the following operation changes are required at Canyon Ferry Dam & Powerplant.

CANYON FERRY RELEASES AND OPERATIONS:

All times are Mountain Daylight Savings Time (MDST)

At 1600 hour on Thursday, July 8, 2010:

Maintain releases through the river outlet gates at 0 cfs.

Decrease releases through the spillway gates to 7,000 cfs.

Maintain turbine releases at 5,000 cfs (

Maintain releases for Helena Valley Project at 420 cfs (220 cfs pumped to Helena Valley and 200 cfs discharged to the Missouri River).

Decrease average daily release to the Missouri River to about 12,200 cfs.

Decrease average total release from Canyon Ferry to about 12,420 cfs.

≈ 1,320 MW-Hrs/day using 90.9 cfs/mw).




]]> Thu, 8 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#733 <![CDATA[Missouri River - July 8th, 2010]]> http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#731 Recorded:  Sunny60 ° F Fishing: Good

With inflows rapidly decreasing and now below 10,000 cfs, expect to see more decreases in flows below Holter Dam.  We've seen decreases of around 1,4000 cfs per day over the last two days.  If the pace remains the same, we'll be at 10,000 cfs by the weekend.  Shortly thereafter, you can wade the river.

We have a ton of bugs.  Caddis, PMD's, Yellow Sallies, Brown Drakes and others.  No tricos are around yet.  They'll be here very soon.  For now, Caddis dominate the action.  The Worm still works magic.  Streamers are coming into their own.  The river is ready to bust wide open. 

Keep an eye on the inflows.  They predict the future below Holter Dam.  Soon, we won't be talking about high water.  We'll be talking about the pods of huge fish sipping caddis off the surface. 

We're relieved that the high water is leaving us.  It wasn't that long ago when we were concerned about the lack of snowpack and the bleak summer streamflow forecast.  It's been a long ride.  Montana's aquifers are plump.  It's time to seriously fish.   

My how things change. 


]]> Thu, 8 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://thetroutshop.com/fishing-reports#731