It’s been a busy couple of days at the dam with 80 degree temps triggering runoff both locally and regionally which has pretty much concentrated all of Montana angling into a couple mile stretch of the MO below Holter Dam for the time being.

We’re used to seeing this every spring as runoff kicks off the migration of anglers to the Missouri from every other river in the state but sometimes that happens to coincide with substantial runoff in both the Little Prickly Pear and the Dearborn which muddies up our MO and forces everyone up high where the water flows clean.

Some traffic jams on the water and in the lots but all in all, so far so good with most everyone playing nice at the moment.

Not to say it doesn’t get heated out there but the vast majority of guides know the routine and accept the ground rules of our Missouri River row arounds and it all works seamlessly more often than not. Let’s keep it up. It’s a LONG season ahead.

Traffic has already started to spread out with those in the know going to the places that produce even in the mud if you know the where and the what and the how.

Sow bugs remain the meal of choice but with water temps now in the 42 plus range baetis are in play for the nymphers and the dfo’s alike.

Must use nymphs….Tailwater Sow, Pill Popper, Rainbow Czech, Fish Finder Worm, Zebra Midge, Little Green Machine, Psycho May, S & M, BWO Magic Fly, BWO Redemption, Split Case BWO, Military May, Pheasant Tails etc. Pink still on the menu but fading fast. Sows always in the mix, mayfly nymphs rapidly becoming a sought after meal.

Dry Fly Season is definitely underway with BWO’s now in the mix in addition to the billions of midges you’ve been seeing and inhaling. Even a few March Browns out there as well. Must have dries – Sprout Baetis, Olive Haze, BWO Flash Cripple, BWO Film Critic, Nyman’s DOA Cripple Baetis, BWO Guide Winna Spinna, Parachute BWO, Parachute Adams, North Wind Cripple, Purple Haze.

Streamer Season is still going strong. We’ve been fishing the mud with large flashy patterns and getting them to move on it but it hasn’t been outstanding. Expect an improvement as the mud thins out and the clouds roll in starting tomorrow. Wedge Heads, Dungeons, Sparkle Minnows, Swim Coach, Skiddish Smolt, Silk Kitty, Double Dirty Hippy all good choices. We’ve had good luck on yellow and brown, black, natural and olive.

This early taste of summer is about to come to an end. 80’s today will give way to 60’s and rain through the weekend and into next week. 80 has sure felt good but not exactly great for river conditions. 80’s triggers huge runoff and we lose our water right away. Snowpack is still looking pretty decent across the region but too much more of this weather could be a problem so we’re happy to see a return to more seasonable conditions.

May hours are 7 AM – 5 PM Monday – Saturday and 7:30 – 3:30 on Sundays. We hope to see you bright and early and we’re here to take care of anything and everything you need for your day on the water. Economical lodging, the best guides on the river, rain gear, boots, waders, the CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES on the MO and the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.