The outlook for the 2022 summer season continues to improve. Below average temps and above average precipitation over the past weeks have us sitting at over 100 percent of normal snowpack locally with much of the surrounding area looking even better with numbers ranging from 120 percent up to 150 percent of average. And while we’ve normally seen the onset of warm weather by this point things have been noticeably cooler this year with moderate daytime highs and chilly nights. There’s definitely been a warming trend this week with highs in the 70’s the last couple of days but we’re back in the 50’s starting Thursday with overnight lows in the low 30’s and rain and snow in the forecast.

The warm days are nice but we’re thrilled to have the cool spring weather which should have us in better shape for the coming summer season where flows are concerned. There will be plenty of time for shorts and flip flops over the coming months. For now layer up and give thanks that we’re getting exactly the weather we need.

Flows continue to be low and steady at right around 3,000 CFS with temps starting to bump up against 50 degrees but that temps should hold steady for a bit with the cooler weather arriving.

Traffic is moderate with some days definitely busier than others. Those on the early morning program (7 ish) have the river to themselves. If you with until 9 you’ll likely be in the thick of it but if you wait the rush out and plan on 11 ish – you’ll likely be behind the crowds and should have plenty of water to yourself throughout the day.

Holter Dam to Craig has been busier this week with some of that canyon traffic seemingly relocating to the upper stretches. It’s been a bit of a mixed bag but we’re hearing fairly solid reports from all stretches so don’t be afraid to go low or somewhere in between.

BWO’s, midges, Caddis and the occasional March Brown on the dry fly menu. Sow bugs and various baetis nymphs making up the sub-surface selection. Tailwater Sows, Yum Yums, Pill Poppers, Rainbow Czechs, Pederson’s Sow, Soft Hackle Sows and Rays for your sow/scud game with Grey Green Machines, Olive Psycho Mays, Olive 2 bits, BWO Magic Flies and a variety of Spanish Bullet, Jig Crack Back and Perdigon style nymphs covering the mayfly bases.

Most have moved on from stripping and/or swinging, opting for dry fly or bobber fishing but the conditions are still optimal for streamer fishing. Prime has come and gone but you still have time to tempt those big browns with an oversized meal they hopefully can’t resist.

We’re open at 7 AM daily for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs including, but definitely not limited to, shuttles, bugs, sunscreen, SA lines and leaders, awesome Lamson and Echo rods and reels, waders and boots from Simms and Redington, sunglasses from Smith and Suncloud, nets and accessories from Fishpond and Rising and a boatload of new Simms Solarflex sun hoodies in an abundance of flavors.

The sun is shining, the hillsides are greening, the bugs are hatching and the fish are eating….it doesn’t get any better than late spring on the Missouri.