We are smack dab in the middle of prime fall fishing on the Missouri, our “second season” if you will.

Traffic has been moderate to heavy these past two weeks and while it may not be quite as busy as June and July, these last weeks of the season are a much needed and much appreciated shot in the arm before a long, quiet winter.

The last couple of years we saw our fall busy season extend into mid November. We’re hopeful for that this season but we’ll see what the weather brings. We’ve already experienced a couple of stretches of winter-like weather and we’re less than two weeks into October.

Old man winter could arrive early and bring our season to a close or we could see a late Indian summer which would keep folks fishing until Thanksgiving or even later. Whatever the case may be, we’ll be here at your service, doing everything we can to make your trip to the Missouri a success.

The fishing has been outstanding more days than not with something for everyone. BWO’s have arrived, nymphing has been hot and the fish seem willing to chase the streamer depending on the day.

Chilly evenings, frosty mornings, beautiful blue skies, the yellows and golds of fall soaked in warm sunlight and bursting out of the drab landscapes and hot, hungry fish eager to eat and quick to put on an aerobatic display as they peel the line off of your reel. Autumn is a magical time on the Missouri!

No need for early starts right now. We’re getting out there at the crack of 10  and soaking up the heat of the rising sun. Plenty of boats on the water but plenty of people sticking to the wade game as well. Lodging is jam packed this week but starts to open up next week. Guide trips are starting to taper off which means increased access to some of the best guides on the Missouri. If a guided day of fly fishing on the MO’ sounds like a great day to spend an autumn day now is the time. Before you know it the snow will be flying and the river will be deserted save the waterfowl hunters and the hardest of the hard core anglers.

In some respects the transition to winter has already begun. Shotgun Annie’s is open for business but rather than becoming the much anticipated additional option we were hoping for they’ve become the only option for dining in Wolf Creek as it appears as though The Oasis Café (not the bar) has closed for the season.

Give us a call for up to the minute river reports and conditions and don’t forget to swing by for bugs, Simms cold weather gear, shuttles, drift boat rentals and anything else you need for your day on the water.