Fishing Reports

It's a little easier to write a positive fishing report today.  The hurricane force winds we've had over the last couple of days sorta took the starch out of things.  If it wasn't for that................

• 4,500 big trout per mile
• 4,200 cfs river flow
• 42°F water temperature
• Gobs of midges
• Great nymph fishing
• Good dry fly fishing
• Good streamer fishing
• No crowds

So what's missing?  Nothing.  We're having some of the best springtime fishing we've ever had in 21 years.  We can't control the weather, but the Missouri is open for business. 

When will the little green guys appear?  Soon, for sure.  A little increase in water temperature and a slight tilting of the earth will help.  It doesn't matter, when the clouds are low and the fan is turned off, the Missouri's hungry trout are eating on the surface.  They are in great shape. 

It's going to be a low water year.  Can you imagine what May, June, July will bring.  We're expecting a hopper infestation with the dry weather.  Better get to tying some big bugs if you're coming in August.  When the small bugs return in the fall, be prepared for the best dry fly fishing to very large trout that you've ever had.  There won't be any innertubes to contend with.
 
It is the year of the Mo.  How can you miss it?

What do you know?  Spring has arrived and it almost feels like spring.  Air temperatures are stuck in the 50's for the most part.  On the weekends, it's busy on the river.  There must be a areason.  Fishing is better than normal for this time of year.  The fish are ready to go.  It won't be long and the rainbows will be ready to go up the tributaries and do their annual spawning migration.  You still have some time before they get serious.  When they do, beefy browns will keep you inspired.

Locally, we've seen a little precipitation.  Sometimes, it really comes down.  Further south, where it really matters in regards to river flows, rain and snow have been steady.  It's been an awfully dry winter.  Perhaps things are changing. According to CNN, El Nino is letting go of the current weather pattern.  Let's hope some of the moisture that has plagued the south and the east heads our way.  We'll take the plague.  Wind comes and goes with the weather fronts.

Midges are the only bug hatching.  If you get out early or if the clouds hang low, you'll have decent dry fly fishing.  Griffith's Gnats, Buzz Balls and the like work just fine.  Nymphs - ugly and flashy - from the Dam on down produce most of the time.  Streamers work, but you have to move slow.  Big browns and big rainbows all fall victims to the right patterns.

Mother Nature is promising more of the same for the next several days.  Unless you really have to do some yard work, the Missouri is calling your name. 

If the weather holds the key to your river success, you're in good hands.  High temperatures are expected to be in the 40's and low 50's for an extended period of time.  The sun will come and go.  It's not spring yet, but defrosting your bones makes if feel that way.

Low water, and what promises to be continued low water, will provide you ample dry fly opportunities.  Montana's snowpack is week.  Most sites are reporting 70% of normal levels.

Midges are the only bug to contend with and there are plenty of them.  With clouds in the picture most of the time, you have the perfect scenario for outstanding March fishing.  If you're a local, you're loving it.  No crowds and lots of big rainbows and browns.  Pink nymphs and streamers are producing nice fish when the wind blows (which doesn't seem to be the case - bummer.  We guess you'll have to settle for dries).

It's not quite spring yet, but the fish are cooperating.  Low flows (3900 cfs), abundant midges, highs in thelow 50's,  and clouds.  Hmm..........sounds like a dry fly recipe.  If not, the Mo's trout are  readily eating nymphs.  The rainbows are fat and colorful. 

If you're a local, it will be easy to skip working in the yard this weekend in exchange for a well deserved fishing holiday.

The Trout Shop will be open this weekend.

If you've been around Craig lately, you can feel the spring of spring.  Some would consider 45 degrees cold, but it seems balmy after a relatively long cool spell.  By cold, we mean below freezing.  To some, 45 is freezing!  Balmy temperatures in the 40's and low 50's are predicted for the next two weeks.  Even if the fish aren't spunky, it's nice to see the warmth of the river.

There's more activity in town especially on the weekends.  During the week, most of the activity in Craig is conducted indoors.  It won't be long and it will be a seven-day a week affair.  There's still some time to get your chores done.  With low water on the horizon, you might think about taking advantage of the warm weather by getting your chores done early. 

BTW - There are 4,600 virgin trout per mile in the upper Missouri.  A whopping 25% of them are over 18"!  We know that you'll be here this year.  Right now, we'd advise you to move your trip up a little.  June will be ridiculous.