Based on my view from today, I’m calling it. It’s official, my favorite time of the year on the Missouri. That awesome transitional period of time when the foothills are getting dusted in snow, the crowds have all but disappeared, bugs are out, fish are up, the crock-pots’ been doing its thing all day and coffee comes with Kahlua and Beam. I got out just as the sun rose above the hills and started burning off the morning fog and lasted through the afternoon. If it wouldn’t have been for one other lone wader in some back water, I would have had the place to myself today. I won’t complain about that though, after all, when you start your day with Kahlua & Coffee, you really can’t complain about much.
Great day on the dry dropper front, 6 of one, half dozen of the other. With the good bit of fog shrouding a majority of the river this morning the side channels and other skinny water were the spots to be. Fishing in 10″-16″ of slower water got a number of fish to hand. Look for some of the softer seams against shore or off edges of obstructions. Don’t be afraid to prospect either, I kicked up lots of fish just wading through the slower moving skinny water. Humble fly suggestions for as the snow begins to fly….
Dries: Q’s Peacock Cluster, Smokejumpers, Griffith’s Gnat, Sprout Baetis, Dandelion RS2 & W.C.A. Trudes.
Nymphs: Zebra Midge, Split Case BWO, Juju Baetis, Brassies, Flux Capacitor, Poxyback Baetis & BH WD40s.
Streamers: Sculpzilla, Polar Leeches, Boufaces, Sparkle Minnows & Double Bunnies.
~Cheers, Chewy.
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