September on the MO
Fall on the Mighty Missouri
We’re already a week into September and although we’ve yet to emerge from the late summer lull, the clock is steadily ticking on what’s left of the season.
Things continue to be quiet around these parts though traffic has started to increase, ever so slightly.
A few more rooms filled each week, a few more guide trips out each day and a slow but steady trickle of folks through the shop.
The fall fishing season will ramp up over the next week or two, peaking in early to mid-October but fall busy is not summer busy so don’t despair. It’s a laid back time to fish the MO with moderate traffic, often times gorgeous autumn weather and excellent fishing opportunities as the water temps drop with the abbreviated daylight hours.
Many turn their interests elsewhere this time of year, trading the fly rod for the bow or shotgun. The summer tourist migration has reversed course making fall one of THE BEST TIMES to fly fish the Missouri River and Montana in general.
September is, for the most part, a terrestrial fishery on the MO though there are Pseudos around and we’re still seeing the occasional Trico event as well as the start of October Caddis.
More or Less Hoppers, Donkey Kong Hoppers, Stealth Ants, Water Walkers, Beetles and October Caddis all great dry fly options right now.
Trail your meaty hopper with a snack size ant and see what happens or drop a zebra or Psycho May or Green Machine and ply the banks and mid-river riffles. Common knowledge says fish close to the bank as those terrestrials do in fact heavily inhabit those riparian zones and do in fact fall in the water. That’s a good method but as the season goes on those fish are seeing a billion foamy hoppers off the banks and they may in fact get a little wary and a bit more selective about what they’re going to eat which could result in some slower days if you limit your fishing to the banks.
What also happens frequently is those flying terrestrials catch a gust and get carried out and over the water. They could end up anywhere but as you’ve no doubt experienced when throwing a caddis blind, those trout love to hang out in the shallow riffles and pick off whatever happens to come their way. It’s no different with the terrestrials. They do end up out there and they do get eaten. So by all means beat the banks, but don’t overlook the mid-river stuff. The largest trout I’ve landed on the MO ate a #10 More or Less Hopper presented randomly ahead of the boat in non-descript, non fishy water essentially during casting practice. You never know!
If you want to stick strictly to nymphing the dam is the place to be with plenty of Zebra Midges on hand. We’ve been having good luck with a purple or gold weight fly, a Tung Dart or an Olive Psycho May as a lead fly but double zebras with a split will get it done as well.
Cool mornings and autumn cloud cover have many thinking fall streamers and rightly so. Our resident browns are gearing up for the autumn spawn and will soon be overtaken by aggression which is what the streamer junkies are eagerly awaiting.
Weeds are going to challenge you, increasingly so as you move down to the lower stretches, but they are not the worst they’ve ever been. Just something you need to factor in and deal with. It’s not a surprise to those who know but if you’re just getting into the streamer game you’ll want to mentally prepare for the challenges (and rewards) of fall streamer fishing.
We’re on the cusp, not there yet but there’s no time like the present. Fish live by the changes in their environments, not by a calendar. Shorter daylight hours, long nights and cooler water tell the fish what time it is. These triggers roughly coincide with dates on the calendar but don’t get hung up on dates – just start throwing and see what happens.
We’re stocked up on all the best streamer patterns big and small as well as streamer lines for any and all situations/water types, and plenty of great options if you’re in the market for a new streamer stick including my personal go to, the Sage Igniter #7. It’s the best streamer stick I’ve fished and I’ve fished a bunch of them.
We’re open daily at 7 AM for all of your Missouri River (and surrounding waters) Fall fly fishing needs. The greatest selection of bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana, the Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO, Adipose Flow drift boat rentals, Simms waders and cold weather gear, a fresh shipment of Richardson WCA logo hats, Bad Ass Korkers River Ops wading boots, SA, Rio and Airflo lines, Fishpond Nomad nets and much more.
It’s Second Season Time on the MO!
Time is running out!
A remastered classic from the optimal traction brand; the DarkHorse is not a one trick pony. Made for the angler that can’t compromise weight and durability
Enjoy winter weather without the sting in Simms’ Men’s Coldweather Pants. The DurapelPlus® durable water-resistant finish on 100% nylon coupled with COR3™ technology blocks water penetration and harmful sun rays with a UPF rating of 50, all while controlling odors. A textured 100% polyester microfleece lining retains valuable body heat. Slash handwarmer pockets with self-fabric abrasion panels protect hands from the bitter cold. Adjustable waist with plastic center-front snap fits comfortably for long wear. Double-layered, articulated knees for durability and ease of movement. Traditional fit.
The Guide’s Choice has been reimagined to exceed the needs of our most demanding customers. Incorporating our most advanced eyewear technologies, this style boasts wide temples and an aggressive wrap for superior light protection. Add to that premium Italian spring hinges, megol nose and temple pads, a detachable sunglass leash, and premium 8-base ChromaPop™ and Techlite glass lenses, the Guide’s Choice is engineered for those that truly believe in the life outside walls.
The new PATH rod is a smooth-casting, medium-fast action graphite fly rod, offering classic performance for all levels of anglers. Rods through 6 weight have a half-wells handle with a wood reel seat for a classic look and feel, and 7 weights and above feature a full-wells grip with anodized aluminum reel seat that is ready for salt or fresh water conditions.
The new LOOP Cross S1 fly rod series is the single most important revolution to occur in fly fishing since we introduced the large arbor reel over 20 years ago. It’s that big.
RIO has teamed up with Fishpond to offer the perfect bundle to attach to your vest or bag. 5, 30-yard spools of RIO’s Powerflex tippet material (2X to 6X) are included with Fishpond’s Headgate tippet dispenser in a ready-to-hit-the-water configuration. The Headgate has a spring loaded hinge design that allows anglers to easily add or change tippet spools, and features a built in cutting blade for ultimate convenience. Powerflex tippet has a high knot and tensile strength, and is made of a clear, nylon copolymer. It is ideal for dry flies, soft hackles and nymphs.
We’re expecting it will be busy on the river this weekend and next week, at least by late winter standards, with nice weather, warming water and hungry fish looking for a spring feast.