The calls continue to come in daily regarding spring flows.

The most commonly asked question….what are the flows going to be like in June?

Our standard response is that it’s still too early to tell but that we aren’t anticipating anything out of the ordinary based on what we’re seeing and what we’re being told by those in the know.

That being said, a very wet spring could definitely make a difference.

Here’s what we know.

Canyon Ferry Reservoir is currently 82% full which is 109% of the 30 year average. The anticipated inflow for the April through July runoff period is forecasted to be 1,603.5 kaf, or 94 percent of the 30 year average.

Per the above graph the most probable flow model has us at right around 5000 cfs through the month of April ( which is almost exactly where we’re at as of today at 5030 cfs). We’ll likely see a bump to 6000 next month with a peak of 6500 cfs in June. Max probable outlook calls for a bump to 8000 in May and a peak near 12,000 cfs while minimum probable would be a steady 4000 cfs for most of the season.

We like what we’re seeing with the Most Probable flows and we wouldn’t mind a good flush of 10-12K but at this point there’s no reason to think we’re going to see the max probable flows. Snow pack remains above average throughout much of the region which very well could mean a busy spring on the Missouri as the freestoners seek fishable water.

Once again, we aren’t seeing any indication that we’ll be contending with high water this spring but then again, high water is a relative concept when considered from a trout fishing perspective. If you’re a wade angler you might consider 6,000 cfs high water but from a historical flow perspective 6000 is well below average for peak flows. 6000 cfs may put some of your go-to favorite spots out of reach, or at least out of your comfort zone but keep in mind that 6000 also puts water in play that may be non-existent or just a trickle at 4000. Drift boat anglers are fine with 6,000 and would be happy to see 10K as well.

The bottom line is that we see absolutely no reason to sound the alarm. We have gotten a few calls from folks thinking they want to cancel their trips and in most cases we’ve been able to talk these folks off of the ledge.

There will be water. How much or how little we don’t know. There will be an abundance of fish. This we know. Conditions may not be ideal for everyone but they will be for some. You may need to change your approach, make some adjustments to your game. We can help with this!

Once again,  from where we sit we’re liking what we’re seeing so far and we’re optimistic that it’s going to be an exceptional season on the Missouri.

Don’t hesitate to give us a call if you’d like to talk flows or fish or tactics or anything else. Climatologists and Hydrologists we are not but we live and breathe Missouri River fly fishing every day of the year and we like talking about it almost as much as we like doing it.

If you’re looking for sunny and 70 degrees this probably isn’t your weekend to fish the Missouri but if your idea of spring fishing includes rain and snow showers and scattered thunderstorms (and streamers) then you should be here.

We’ll see some storms roll through today with gusty winds this afternoon but tomorrow and Sunday are looking good with plenty of clouds, a chance or precipitation and highs in the 50 degree range.

Current flows are cranking just shy of 4600 cfs and the water temps are looking good at right around 41 degrees. Great nymphing conditions for sure but even better streamer conditions. If streamers are your thing this is what you’ve been waiting for all winter long!

Most are fishing the canyon right now with not much good happening between the dam and Craig but if you want to stay away from the crowds I wouldn’t hesitate to fish the top. It’s got to turn on sooner or later and with everyone crushing in the canyon you could have it all to yourself.

Status quo on the rigging with pink still leading the charge. Rainbow Czechs, Pink Amex, Pinkalicious, Pink or Firebead Rainbow Weight Fly are all good options run in tandem with pink or pearl lightning bugs, rainbow warriors, zebra midges, tailwater sows, Firebead Rays and the rest of the usual suspects. We’ve also heard of the mayfly nymphs starting to get some attention. Try a Little Green Machine, S & M, Juju or a plain old Pheasant Tail. They should all be on the menu right now. And don’t forget to try the Cotton Candy Little Green Machine hand tied by the man himself, Vince Wilcox, available now at Wolf Creek Angler.

Streamers? Yes. Black, Olive, Grey. Small, medium, large. Shallows, middle, banks. Yes. Throw them. Commit to it and you may be surprised what you find lurking in the waters of the MO’.

Midges daily. Fish feeding occasionally. The dry fly opportunities will increase from here on out. Griffiths Gnats, Parachute Adams, Buzzballs and Bucky’s Midge Clusters are all great options right now. Keep your dry fly rig at the ready.

We’ve got a few trips going out tomorrow and would be happy to have a few more going out so if a cloudy and possibly rainy day on the Missouri sounds good to you give us a call. Plenty of lodging and guides available all weekend long. Don’t forget our spring special, $500 for two night’s lodging and a full day on the water. It’s the best deal on the river….bar none! If you don’t need the combo you’re looking at $350 full day guide trips and $99 lodging through the end of the month.

We’re loaded up in the shop with tons of new bugs and all kinds of new spring gear. Rods from Loop, Redington and Echo; Reels from Loop, Ross, Nautilus and Redington; wading gear from Korkers and Redington; outerwear and layering from Simms and Kast and all kinds of new logo gear. Don’t miss our sale rack with amazing clearance prices on clothing from Simms, Kast, Rep Your Water, Redington and more.

Shop hour are 8 am – 4 pm daily.

March Midge Madness on the MO’

It will likely be a BUSY weekend on the MO’ with nice weather on tap and spring fishing starting to come into shape.

It’s still been a mixed bag of reports throughout this week but it seems like the good ones are starting to edge out the bad ones, if ever so slightly.

The fish are where you would expect them to be and they are eating though not with quite the reckless abandon we love in the spring.

Concentrate your efforts on the slow winter water as well as the slightly faster transitional water. Stick with the pink stuff and the firebeads and maybe throw a zebra midge or mayfly nymph into the mix and see what happens. We heard of some good action on the Little Green Machine from a few folks but that being said, it’s primarily been a sow and scud game with the worm performing well in the mud.

The streamer bite has been decent and should only get better as that water ticks up towards 40 degrees. Current water temp is just shy of 38 degrees and flows are at 4180 and should stay in that 4100 range for the time being.

The key as of late has been to spend plenty of time working the spots you know the fish should be. They are there. Park the boat and get out and pick that water apart.

The majority of our lodging is now open and we do have a few vacancies for the weekend if you’re looking for a quiet place to stay. Next week looks as good as any for a spring trip to the MO’ with the current weather pattern holding through the end of next week. Expect daytime temps in the 50’s and nighttime lows in the low 30’s. Not quite shirt sleeve weather yet but it’s on it’s way and will be here before you know it.

Give us a call at the shop for up to the minute reports on weather and fishing conditions and we’d love it if you made us your first stop on the way to the river for everything you need for your day on the water.

April is booking quickly as folks just can’t pass up the best spring lodging and guide trip special on the Missouri but we’ve still got beds and guides a plenty so treat yourself to two nights lodging and a full day on the water with some of the best guides on the river for just $500. Operators are standing by.