Deep in the heart of summer here on the MO and all is well in our world.

The hatches have been consistent. The flows are near perfect when they’re not getting bounced around. The weather, while a little unstable, has been pleasant with cool evenings and mornings and just enough heat in the day to remind you it’s our hottest month of the year. The fish are happy and hungry and the crowds have thinned to the point where there is plenty of solitude to be found on the water which isn’t great for us but which should make you drop what you’re doing and head to the MO for one of the better dry fly seasons we’ve had in recent memory.

A good number of inflatables out there on the weekends so maybe skip those days or just get a super early start and be off the water before they get there. Or just fish in the midst of them and be happy that everyone is out there enjoying the resource.

We’ve been starting our trips early (6:30 – 7), leaving the heat of the day to the rec crowd. The heat of summer has started to have an effect on some of our regional waters with the Sun, the Smith and the Madison all on Hoot Owl restrictions. Hopefully with these steady flows in the 4K range, plenty of water in Canyon Ferry and these cool overnight temps we’ll steer clear of the Hoot Owl here on the Missouri.

Tricos are your early morning and daytime target with caddis providing some near-dark evening action. Hoppers and ants should also be in the mix with or without a nymph dropper.

Those choosing to chase the bobber are getting the numbers with sow bugs, Green Machines, Zebra midges, Frenchies, Purple or Gold Weight flies, Nitro Caddis, S & M’s and pheasant tails.

Plenty of lodging available right now and maybe even a guide or two available though that’s definitely been hit or miss.

Rental boats are finally available again after a busy three weeks.

It’s really the perfect time to sneak away to the MO where the fishing has been epic, the weather and water conditions couldn’t be any better and you might just have it to yourself. Whatever you do, don’t tell anybody!!

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