Hopper Time!

Hopper Time!

Blue skies and sunshine this weekend, highs in the 80’s and 90’s for the next few days before we see another cool down late in the week.

Angling traffic is on the light side but do expect plenty of rec floaters out there this weekend. It’s going to be a gorgeous couple of days to float the river.

What fishing traffic there is seems to be concentrated in the canyon which by all accounts is fishing very good right now, especially by August standards. Weeds are a challenge, but nothing you can’t handle. While the canyon is getting some good press right now don’t limit yourself. Try the lower river, try the upper river…..there are fish everywhere!

Plenty of options right now if you’re willing to switch it up early and often but for my money I would go with a hopper (or a chubby) and either a Rubber Legs or your favorite mayfly nymph.

We’re liking the Moorish and More or Less Hoppers in pink and also having some luck with the #12 White Cloud Hoppers in peach. Don’t overlook yellow either, most of the naturals I’ve seen around (and there aren’t a bunch of them) have been yellow. We’ve had luck with everything from #8’s to #12’s but I think there’s a tendency to want to go big and that isn’t always the ticket. If you aren’t getting any looks at that #8 try something small or get the best of both worlds and trail an ant off that #8 hopper, then you’ll have the right size meal for any appetite.

As far as nymphs to drop, again we like the brown or brown/yellow rubber legs and all kinds of mayfly stuff. Split Case PMD’s, Military Mays, Docs Summer Bug, 2 Bits, Little Green Machines, Peeps, Purple Lightning Bugs, plain old PT’s….you get the picture. Additionally we’ve had some good days with the #16 purple weight fly, tan UV Czechs and various crayfish patterns.

Tricos? Yes and no. There are bugs. There are fish eating them but those who are here specifically for the Trico fishing have been disappointed for the most part. Rig up an indicator spinner and a cdc emerger and have it at the ready in case you come across some rising fish. Otherwise grab your hopper rig and fire away. Hit the banks, hit the seams, hit the riffles and be ready for the take.

We’ve been a little hum-drum with our reports as of late, after all it is August but it’s definitely worth your time to come out and give it a shot. Sure there are some tough days, but there are also some really good days and there’s NOBODY HERE! That’s bad for us but it’s great for you if you’re hoping to have some water to yourself. Besides that, it’s summertime in Montana. Why wouldn’t you spend your day floating down a river?

We’ve got plenty of lodging available as well as abundant availability with the hardest working guides on the Missouri. We’re also offering free lodging as part of our Dog Days of Summer Special. Now through the end of August book a full day guide trip and a night of lodging and we’ll throw in a second night of lodging for free.

We’re open daily at 6:30 AM for all of your Missouri River Fly Fishing needs.