Quiet on the MO’ photo by Wolf Creek Angler

In spite of unseasonably nice weather this week the river is absent of anglers and Wolf Creek and Craig are essentially void of any signs of life as we enter the Post-Thanksgiving period which is consistently our slowest time of the year….hands down.

Sure, you’ll see a boat or two on occasion and we get the random drop by for flies or a shuttle but for all intents and purposes there’s really not a hell of a lot going on between now and the end of the year.

The first nice days of January generally see a good influx of traffic and nice weekends might see a small bump, but between now and then you can usually have the thing essentially to yourself more days than not.

And just to be clear…there’s no reason NOT to be here. If the weather is cooperative, you can have some spectacular days either floating or just wading the quiet MO.

Top water action is minimal this time of year though the midge action can be good at times.

Nymphing and streamer fishing are where it’s at.

Pill Poppers, Tailwater Sows, Caviar Scuds, Pederson’s Sow, Soft Hackle Sows, Firebead Rays, Bubble Yums, Worms….it’s that time of year. Rig em’ up and leave em’ on. All you need to do is find the fish. If they’re in feeding mode they’ll eat it.

Winter nymphing can be super productive and super fun. I love it. What’s not to love?

That being said, if I’m getting out there this time of year it’ll usually be with a streamer rod, although in my case that’s generally the case ANY time of year!

Yes, streamers are where it’s at for me. Most swing through the winter months and I’m not opposed but I prefer the strip/swing/cover tons of water action to the standing in one place working the same run for hours method.

My go-to is a Craig to Dearborn float working those sexy structured banks and all that great water between the islands and maybe even nymphing a few up in a couple of favorite spots.

The water temps are certainly on the drop but not so cold yet that you won’t find some willing players in the faster action water and in the shallows of the structured banks. A heavy sink dredged deep is a good cold weather bet and you’d probably bump a few that way now but we’re not quite to that point yet where that will be your go to. We’re still hanging in those temps and flows where you’d do well to hit everything that looks like it might hold fish. More than likely it does.

Swingers are on the Kreelex and Thin Mints and Polar Leeches. Strippers are sizing down but still running Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolt, Swim Coach, Mini and Micro Dungeons, Baby Gongas, Dirty Hippies and the like. We always like the Sculpin and JJ Sparkle Minnows but this year they’ve been on the Pearl version as well.

If you see a good weather window and opt for a Missouri River holiday getaway give us a shout. We’ve got affordable winter lodging options and can likely get you on the water with a great guide if you can give us a day or two to work on it.

We’re open at 8 AM Tuesday – Saturday for the winter and will occasionally NOT adhere to that schedule so call ahead to make sure we’re going to be here if you need a shuttle etc.

Don’t forget to stock up on WCA Gift Cards for all of the fly fishers on your list. You can get them on our online store in increments of $25/$50/$100 or Guide Trip for $650 or buy in store in any amount you wish.

WCA Gift Cards are good for ANYTHING we sell. Guide Trips, lodging, shuttles, merch…All of it!

Happy Shopping and Tight Lines!