Autumn Fade
As we approach the middle of October the season’s end is looming.
You wouldn’t know it, based on the weather which has been consistently pleasant. Daytime highs have been in the 60’s and low 70’s with blue skies and sunshine more often than not. Overnight lows are chilly, dipping into the high 30’s and 40’s but you really couldn’t ask for nicer weather.
Even so, every good thing must come to an end and while it may feel like September, time is marching on. Soon the 2022 campaign will be in the rearview and we’ll all be sitting back and reflecting on what went well and what could’ve gone better as we look toward the next.
Fall traffic has been fairly heavy, especially these last two weeks but this week feels like things are coming to a close. Just a handful of trips out this week and while our lodging is still fully open there aren’t quite as many folks around.
Many guides have either completed or are counting down to their last trips of the season and as is always the case, while we hate to see it come to an end, everyone is ready for a much-anticipated break in the action.
The fishing remains good with nymphing and streamer fishing continuing to make up for the majority of our trips. BWO’s have yet to make a showing but dry fly fishing is still an option if that’s where your heart lies. Terrestrials and October Caddis could still get a look and you might find success prospecting with a Purple Haze or Parachute Adams. Try trailing a CDC Caddis Emerger behind whatever it is you choose to lead with. They seem to eat it more often than what you might expect.
Stick with the sowbug program if you’re nymphing. A #14 Tungsten Tailwater Sow trailed by a #16 unbeaded Tailwater Sow has been a good go to but BWO nymphs like the Little Green Machine, Split Case BWO, BWO Magic Fly, BWO Redemption, BWO Psycho May and a plain old Pheasant Tail have all been getting noticed as well. Medium fast current, medium depth water should still be your target. The swirlies have been full of food and full of fish so maybe go deep there but otherwise 4 ish feet from bobber to first bug should suffice, with our without a spit shot.
Streamer fishing has been good, better during the low light or under cloud cover but definitely worth your time regardless of conditions. Small black buggers and Thin Mints have been consistently good but the larger, flashier offerings are finding plenty of willing players as well. Weeds are a hindrance but there’s plenty of clean water to throw to. Choose a good long stretch and push through the weedy stuff.
Flows are on the low side (currently around 3300 cfs) with temps holding in the 58 – 60 range. Traffic has finally spread out from the dam stretch with the entire river fishing well. A little more water would be nice but all in all the water and the fish are in great shape and it’s really been an idyllic fall fishing season thus far. The weather looks to hold steady for the foreseeable forecast with no sign of a winter shift on the horizon but it’s coming sooner or later so get out there and enjoy this amazing fall weather and this amazing fall fishery while you can.
We’re open at 7:30 AM Monday – Saturday and 8 AM on Sundays for all of your Missouri River fall fly fishing needs. Shuttles, bugs and so much more including awesome Simms fall flannels and hoodies and plenty of waders, boots now that wader season has returned.
