Spring Fishing Arrives Early on the MO

Just a week into February and it feels like spring is upon us….hopefully winter will return.

For the time being we’re seeing unseasonably warm temps with daily highs in the 40’s and low 50’s and overnight lows just barely below freezing. Not great news at this point for the long term water prognosis as we look towards the summer season but it’s only February so we remain optimistic. There’s a lot of winter yet to go and some late season snow coupled with a wet spring would go a long way in setting us up for more favorable water conditions.

We’ve been getting a lot of calls recently regarding snowpack and the outlook for the season and while we’re always hopeful, the simple fact is that drought conditions continue to persist in much of the region. Consequently, as always,  the bottom line is that we will have water, how much is unclear but whatever the case may be, we will take it as it comes and react accordingly.

All that being said, current conditions are optimal for getting out and enjoying some outstanding mid-Winter fishing on the Missouri. We’ve seen quite an uptick in business this week with a busy week of lodging and retail starting to regain a pulse.

Air temps are extremely moderate, winds have been tolerable and the fishing has been good to great more days than not. A consistent emergence of midges has resulted in good dry fly fishing opportunities, nymphing has been predictably solid and swingers and strippers alike are finding plenty of willing players as our resident wild trout react to spring weather conditions by doing what they do as they emerge from winter’s grip, which is EAT.

Water temps are still cold which will keep the bulk of the fish concentrated in the slow winter depths but bugs on top tend to attract attention as do baitfish exposing themselves to predation by hungry trout looking for maximum caloric intake.

It looks like this weather is going to hold at least through the early part of next week. We encourage you to take advantage of the situation while you can as hopefully we will soon see winter’s return.

There’s no better time than NOW to take advantage of our Annual Winter Guide Trip and Lodging Special. That’s 2 nights of lodging and a full day guide trip for one or two anglers for the ridiculously low rate of $550. We challenge you to find a better deal ANYWHERE….you won’t!

We’re open at 8 AM every day but Sunday for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs. We’re loaded up on winter/spring bugs, including an impressive midge selection, all the hottest winter nymphs and THE best streamer selection on the MO…hands down.

We’ve got a great selection of cold weather gear and waders and boots from Simms Fishing Products and a great selection of fly lines, leaders, tippet and accessories for any and all situations from Rio and Airflo.

And don’t miss this opportunity to pick up a pair of Simms G3 waders at 50% OFF!! G3’s were redesigned for 2022 so we’re looking to move our remaining stock. Currently we have Medium, Large 12-13 and Large King in Cinder and Medium and Large 9-11 in Shadow Green. You’ll never see a better deal on G3 waders.

Spring gear trickling in…the new product flood gates open March 1st.