We’re definitely looking at cooler temps this week and we’re actually starting to hear some good fishing reports from our guides and even from a few of our guests who are out there getting it done on their own.
It seems the short leash has been the key to success though there have been some strong hopper outings as well. Try both on and see what happens.
We’re partial to the hopper/dropper rig because we LOVE to see them eat the hopper. Sometimes they crush it, sometimes it just disappears. Be on the alert. You typically aren’t going to get a ton of eats on the hopper so you need to make it count. It really sucks when you miss the take, you might not get another shot all day! Drop a mayfly nymph off of your pink or purple Moorish Hopper to increase your odds or we also like to run two on top and trail an ant. The trout like ants, sometimes more than hoppers!
Nymphs we would suggest include Split Case PMD’s, pheasant tails, Little Green Machines, S & M’s, Military Mays and weight flies in purple. If you’re going to run a two nymph rig we recommend Palsa pinch-on indicators and we also like the Lil’ Nuggets from Strike Foundry. Keep your rig under three feet, sans split shot and find your water.
We’ve been doing well in the fast water, medium depth. Same nymphs as above in addition to various crayfish and rubber leg patterns. Don’t overlook the worm either. A worm and a cray could be a deadly combination. If you aren’t comfortable with the weightlessness of the rig then make one of your nymphs something with a tungsten bead….it’s plenty of weight for what you’re trying to do.
Not much to report on the trico front. Still seeing bugs and occasionally fish on them but we’re not counting on it. Similar story with the caddis in the evening. There are bugs around and it’s never a bad idea to try your elk hair caddis or outrigger caddis/emerger rig during last light. Find the fish, show them a good presentation and see what the fish gods have to say about it.
Lodging has started to fill again after a quiet week but we still have plenty of availability for lodging and guides. Don’t forget our Dog Days of Summer Special if your thinking of coming out to give it a go. Book a guide day and two nights lodging and we’ll throw in a third night of lodging for free. Why not take advantage of the light traffic and book yourself an August getaway on the Missouri?
Days are getting noticeably shorter so we’re back to opening at 6:30 AM. It’s pretty dark (and getting darker every day) at 6 AM though I’ve still seen a few folks doing the early launch. If you’re wanting to be on the water prior to 6:30 don’t hesitate to come by. We’re generally in here at or just after 6 firing up the machine so feel free to stop. The coffee may not be quite ready but by the time you get that shuttle form filled out and load up on bugs we’ll have you out the door with a cup to go.
Come check out our ever-expanding bug selection, new arrivals in the reel case from Nautilus and great lines from ARC Fishing. We’re loving these fly lines this summer…you will too.
See you soon in the shop and on the water.
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