All Hallow’s Eve on the MO
I would call it The Calm Before the Storm with the threat of winter weather on the way but that would be discounting the substantial sustained winds we’re experiencing this last day of October. On the bright side we’re pushing 50 degrees today so it’s not so bad but things are about to change. Expect much colder temps with a good chance for snow every day right on through the weekend.
This is not to say that you shouldn’t plan to fish…you definitely should. The wind forecast looks tolerable and with an abundance of clouds and occasional snow showers, the conditions could be just right for yet another week of excellent fall fishing. Couple this with the fact that you might just have the river to yourself and there’s no reason you shouldn’t welcome November with a trip to the Missouri.
Layer up and hit the water.
Nymphing has been off the charts most days and should continue to be your numbers option. Many are finding great success with the short leash but don’t feel like you have to. The longer rigs will get it done as well as the fish begin to transition towards winter water. We are currently holding in the high 40’s and it should remain that way at least for the next few weeks, barring a serious plummet into arctic air.
Your broken record nymphing report…..sow bugs and zebra midges. Ninch’s Pill Poppers have been effective and we’re getting a few to go on various firebead options but the plain old Tailwater Sow (no bead) has been the best bet. Mix it up with a soft hackle sow or a green machine, in fact you might even want to give the Cotton Candy LGM a go. We’ve had some action on the Pink Radiation Baetis and Pink Lightning Bugs though I’d definitely start with the aforementioned Tailwater Sows and Zebras before you venture too far into the slutty winter staples.
I got a request the other day to post an illustration of a standard double nymph rig (as opposed to a short leash rig). I would much rather have you come in and we can build one together because I’m not much of an artist but this should give you the general idea. Once you get your rig built it shouldn’t change from the split shot down unless you decide to add or subtract weight but I always recommend depth adjustments before doing anything with weight. To change the depth simply move your indicator up or down the leader to accomplish your desired depth.
The indicated measurements are just a baseline, everyone has their preferred rig but this should get you started. Some like to run a little shorter on the trailing nymph, others run longer. Some tie the trailing nymph off of the eye of the point fly, I prefer to tie off the bend of the hook. Start here and modify as you see fit.
If you want to convert to a short leash rig simply remove the split shot and move the indicator down the leader so it’s 3′ – 4′ from your point fly. We recommend downsizing your indicator to a 1/2″ bobber or a palsa pinch on type indicator and you might ditch the tungsten Czech and go with something on the lighter side.
Dry fly fishing in the snow? You bet. It’s been an awesome fall for fishing BWO’s and we’re hoping for a few more stellar days before it all comes to an end. I haven’t had much reason to change from my go-to BWO rig this fall. An Olive Parachute Adams paired with a DOA cripple has been money for me but your options are limitless and as we reach the tail end of fall BWO’s you may just find that you need to show them something sneaky to get them to go.
I’ve all but retired the dry fly rig for the time being, concentrating most of my efforts on the streamer game but there’s something for everybody right now and have I mentioned having the water to yourself? Big game hunting is in full swing which has drastically reduced the traffic and the forecast will keep many away as well. Those of us who live, work and fish here all year long love November on the Missouri, you will to.
Early winter hours go into effect tomorrow. We will be open Monday – Saturday (for the time being) from 8 AM – 5 PM and 8 AM – 4 PM on Sundays. We are open EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR for lodging and guide trips regardless of the shop schedule.
Fall Classic back in LA tonight at 6. And keep a sharp eye out for little ghosts and goblins prowling the streets and sidewalks after dark.
Happy Halloween from all of us at Wolf Creek Angler.
Three days in and October is giving us just what we want and just what we need for a spectacular fall season on the Missouri.
