Autumn is in the air and though the fishing has not exactly been off the charts, we are nevertheless reveling in the change of seasons. Next Tuesday will mark the first day of fall on the calendar but cold mornings, longer nights and light traffic have made it to feel like fall since the start of September.
To me this truly is the most wonderful time of the year. I love the weather. I love the end-of-the-season vibe, the football games, floating the MO, wading the small stuff, chucking streamers wherever the fishing day takes me and just generally soaking it all in.
Things are relatively quiet with many having already traded the fly rod for the bow or shotgun but it’s our busiest guide week of the fall with one of my favorite groups of the year here from Schultz Outfitters along with a bunch of other trips that all happened to fall smack in the middle of September which has increasingly become a thing over these past few seasons.
Is it the best fishing of the fall? Typically not by a long shot, but it’s when a lot of folks seem to be able to fit this trip into their busy fall schedules and whether the fishing is hot or not, you just can’t beat this time of year to spend a few days on the water.
A smattering of Trico Hangers On, Maddening Pseudos in excessive quantities, hoppers and ants filling the gaps and Caddis (October and otherwise) all on the dry fly menu for the time being.
Fall nymphing is a smorgasbord, and you could be over-thinking it. Sows and Zebras are a safe bet. Pheasant Tails, 2 Bits, LGM’s, Magic Flies and other Baetis nymphs will all play. Blow torches, Tung Darts and Weight Flies will cover the caddis, or you might mix it up with an actual October Caddis Nymph. Zirdles and Snapping Crays are still in play though less so now than they have been for the last few weeks.
Streamers are on the march! Swim Coach, Sparkle Minnow, Skiddish Smolt, Autumn Splendor, JJ, Lil’ Kim, Space Invaders, Mod Maiden, Dirty Hippy, Circus Peanut. Smoke em’ if you got em’! It’s all in play from here on out.
Weeds are annoying. You can work through it!
If streamers are where your heart is at this is your time!
Stop by the shop on your way to the water for the Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO, the largest selection of Missouri River Flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana and our Annual Fall Sale which used to be our Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale but has now grown to cover waders, boots, clothing and whatever else we might feel like wheeling and dealing on.
We have six weeks to go. It is time to move some product!
The shop opens at 7 AM daily, which is earlier than most, later than none.
See you soon for awesome Autumn fishing on the MO!