Spring underway in Wolf Creek MT

Two of the most frequently asked questions I get from our guests and clients is “What is the best time of year to fish the Missouri” and “When is your favorite time to fish the Missouri”?

My standard response to the first is that the best time to fish the Missouri is whenever you are here. The MO’ fishes year round and while there are definitely some months which fish better than others there isn’t a bad time to fish here provided you have the proper gear.

The second question is tougher and the answer tends to fluctuate depending on when the question is being asked but mid April – mid May definitely ranks up there for me as one of my absolute favorite times to fish period.

Spring is a great time to experience Montana as the state awakens from its winter slumber. Warm sunny days (and some cold rainy ones too), greening landscapes and hungry trout bring back the crowds and we return to our busy season schedule. The long winter wait is over. It’s GO TIME.

The sights, sounds and smells of spring are one of a kind. The buds on the trees, the daily serenade of songbirds, the smell of rain and soil….it’s an awesome time to be on the water.

Did I mention hungry trout? These first weeks of April on into May can’t be beat as the fish become more active and aggressive. If you like to fish streamers THIS IS YOUR TIME! Not only have we had some of the best streamer fishing in recent memory on the Missouri, but we’ve also had some epic days on other waters.

Spring also offers some of the best nymphing opportunities of the year as well as plenty of BWO’s and midges (and the occasional skwalla) to keep the dry fly enthusiasts engaged.

Nymphs, streamers, Dries, Dry/dropper…..all effective and all on the table right now.

The weather can range from sunny and 70s to rain/snow and 30’s so be sure to bring it all. Layering is definitely the key for spring fishing comfort. More days than not you can expect at least a slight chance of a passing shower or two so good rain gear/wading gear should be a critical component of your spring  gear bag.

You’ve got 11 days left to take advantage of the best deal on the Missouri River. Two nights lodging and a full day on the water for just $500 (plus tax). Availability has become somewhat limited with the popularity of our spring special but we can still make it happen…give us a call today.

The reports from the last couple of days have been less than stellar but we did see a big bump in flows yesterday (currently 6480 cfs) which more often than not has a short-term negative impact on the fishing. That being said if you cover enough water and make enough changes you stand to piece together a decent day.

We’re going to see a continued increase in flows over the next 24 hours bumping up near 7000 but don’t let that deter you. The fish aren’t going anywhere, you just need to find them. They will likely be in the same water you found them in at lower flows but the location of that water column has likely changed with the increased flows. Whether you’re fishing from a boat or wading think less about changing your setup to compensate for higher flows and more about changing your location to find the water where your setup works.

Full rooms, a full parking lot and three coffee pot days in a bustling shop…the season is underway!