Spring is in the air this first morning of March with temps nearing 60 today and just enough moisture in the air to impart that unmistakable scent of spring. A bit of rain in the forecast starting tonight and running through Thursday. We’re under a high wind warning through this afternoon but tomorrow looks like the best day of the bunch with temps in the 50’s, a chance of rain and winds out of the south at 7-10 mph. These spring-like conditions will begin to recede at the end of the week as temps drop and the chance for snow returns. Let’s hope this next round of winter happening next week delivers as we’re in desperate need of precipitation.

It looks to be a quiet week on the MO….the calm before the storm. Winter weather or not, the switch will flip next week as spring traffic begins to arrive. We’ll likely see busier weekends and mid-week traffic will come and go but March has become the unofficial start of the season so be prepared to share the water. Mind you we’re not talking about anything remotely resembling summer traffic but to those who have been enjoying the winter solitude over the last couple of months the bubble is about to burst.

March also means busy days in the shop as the majority of our spring orders are scheduled for arrival this week. We’ll be flooded with new gear and scrambling to maximize space while attempting to transition from the puppy pen to behavioral modifications to keep Zeke out of mischief. It’s going to be an interesting spring around WCA…please bear with us as we continue to work on building a well-behaved Shop Dog.

It’s also time to open more lodging which we’ll plan on doing likely following next week’s winter (ish) weather. We’ll see what the weather brings but I would expect to have all of our cabins open by the middle of the month with the motel target date right around April 1st.

Our Winter Lodging and Guide Trip Special comes to an end on March 19th so time is running out to take advantage of the best deal on the MO.

Fishing continues to be good following last week’s deep freeze. Continue to utilize the tried and true techniques and patterns of late winter/early spring and you should be in for plenty of action. If you’re nymphing think pink with a side of Sowbug or Zebra Midge. Fire beads will also be money for the next while. Firebead Rays, Firebead Czechs, Rainbow Weight Flies and Caviar Scuds all good choices at this point. Keep your major focus on the deep slow winter water but don’t completely ignore the tail outs and similar runs with a little more speed and a little less depth. Water temps are still cold at around 35 degrees but they’ll be ticking upward from here on out, signaling to the fish that the long-awaited time to move is underway.

Look for abundant midge action on the calm days, keeping that dry fly rod rigged and ready with a Hi-Vis Adams and a Griffiths gnat in #18 or #20.

The swing action continues with Polar Leeches, Balanced Leeches, Thin Mints, Kreelex, Fruit Rollups, Buggers and the like still on the menu but look for the single hand strippers to begin to take over the streamer set as water temps come up and the energy expelled/caloric intake equation starts to favor hunting and running down those high calorie meals.

It’s our FAVORITE time for streamer fishing the MO’.

The shop is open at 8 AM daily. Brand new Adipose Flow Drift Boats for rent, 2022 Fishing Licenses and anything and everything you need for your day on the water.