Missouri River Report 11.17.16
It actually feels like late fall today. Freezing temperature has been reached. Snow on the windshield this morning. I already see the shift in sales. Fly sales are down and fly tying materials are up. Fly tying season is coming, but there really is some great fly fishing yet to be had. The last two customers I talked to were both grinning about their most recent days on the water.
For those of you who keep on fishing regardless of the weather or the season, changes are manifesting. The water has finally dropped below 50 degrees. The trout will soon be shifting toward winter patterns, but not yet. Not quite. They are still eating steadily.
Curious how the river is doing? Check out current river flows here
While they are still eating, they are not quite as spread around as they were during the summer. Some areas are barren, while others are still busy with active fish. When you find them, you might want to consider wading. On my most recent float, I discovered better fishing while wading then I did from the boat. Targeting good water with the Palsa short leash method worked best. Fish were very catchable, but a bit of stealth was required. My favorite combo was a Tailwater Sow with a #20 Chartreuse Wire Tufted Zebra.
Nymphing is going strong when you find the fishy zones. All the scud, sow, Czech, tiny mayfly and midge patterns are in play. A few folks are already stocking up on pink fire bead stuff. Once the water dips below 40, the bright fly will become key to moving fish. For now, they are still actively slurping more natural looking fare.
Need to stock up on flies? Check out our fly selection here
I just talked to Dan Soltau from Dirty Water Fly Co. He’s been out on the river a bunch lately and his streamer report is very strong. He’s got some creative patterns that you need to come check out. We’ve got them. They move lots of fish. Especially the ones you want.
It’s also trout Spey season. I will still have a single hander ready most days, but I probably won’t use it much in the coming months. I’ve got swing fever. Nothing beats a long cast with time to think before the next one. Sometimes I fish like a heron or an osprey, fully engaged and ready to pounce. Sometimes I zone out until the jolt of a fish surprises me back to my fish chasing reality.
If you are a trout Spey convert or are interested in getting started in the game, give me a shout. I’ll be babbling on about swinging flies until the Baetis come off next April. I’m not afraid of the cold water season. I’ve got layers under my Simms waders.
If you need to get prepared, come in a grab some gloves, some warm base layers and maybe a fresh beanie. We’ve got you covered with insulated growlers, Yeti mugs, bags and sling packs to carry them in and flies. We’ve got some tasty swing flies. It’s always fishing season.
If you need to stock up on gear, check out our fly flying selection