Hopper Eating Piggy on the MO’.

Despite a long awaited change in the weather and a break from the 90’s we’ve hit the late summer slump.

Things are quiet around the shops and on the river and while many enjoy this respite from the chaos of prime time, after just a couple of days we’re rested and ready for the next round. Unfortunately for us, the next round is likely a few weeks out but fortunately for you it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the situation and enjoy a late summer getaway to the Missouri River.

The crowds are gone (for now) but the fish haven’t gone anywhere. Late summer fishing can have its challenges but I can’t say it enough, I’ve had some of my best days on the Missouri in August. You won’t know if you don’t go!

Tricos are in full force if you enjoy that challenge but we’re starting to concentrate our efforts on hoppers and ants. Nymphing has been more miss than hit as of late but you never know when it’s going to turn on. If nymphing is your thing we suggest you fish the dam to minimize the weed issues and maximize your opportunities based on the higher concentration of fish. They aren’t always willing to eat but they are always there and sooner or later you’re bound to hit it when they’re hungry.

Black zebra midges continue to be the hottest of the hot nymphs but we’re also having some luck with Green Machines, S & M’s, Split Case PMD’s, Weight Flies, Tung Darts, Psycho Mays, PT’s, Peep Shows, Red Headed Step Child, Doc’s Summer Bug, Purple Lighting Bugs and various crayfish including Snapping Craws and Claws R Crays.

On top you’ll want the standard lineup of Trico patterns including Indicator Spinners, Double Wings, Trico Hackle Stackers and an assortment of midge clusters and buzzballs. Keep your Elk Hair Caddis, Outrigger Caddis, Blooms Parachute Caddis, Cornfed Caddis and CDC Caddis Emergers at the ready but devote some time to ants and hoppers…there’s nothing quite like watching big browns crush a hopper! Moorish and More or Less Hoppers in Pink, Purple and Gold have all been getting eaten and Bloom’s Stealth Ant in purple is a must have for your terrestrial box.

Streamer fishing should start to heat up as we move towards September but the weeds will be an issue so prepare to be frustrated!

This is all happening NOW….and there’s NOBODY here! If  you’re interested book a trip with us today and take advantage of our Dog Days Special. Book a full day guide trip and a night’s lodging and your second night is on us. Spend a second day with a guide or rent one of our Adipose or RO drift boats and  do it yourself.

Food has been a challenge lately, especially on Tuesday evenings when nobody is serving dinner. We’ve got the perfect solution. With a full kitchen in your cabin or bungalow and access to barbecue grills your dining problems are solved. Eat what you want when you want it.

Lots of folks are busy trying to squeeze every last drop out of summer before the return to reality and we get that. If this is the case and fishing the MO’ isn’t in your August plans there’s no time like the present to book your fall stay. Mid September through mid to late November have become the Second Season with cooler weather, hungry fish and the magic of fall in the air. October is booking fast and November will follow so book your guides and lodging today while there’s still time.