Great Falls Fishing Report 11.2.2017
Missouri River Fishing Report
I hope you got out early this week. Sunday was one of those days we live for. I’m talking googly eyes and huge grins. Streamers were getting crushed, nymphing was ridiculous and bank dwellers were sipping dries. A dark day without the wind in late October is hard to beat.
As we look into November, conditions are changing. Wintery weather is here. Water temps are dropping. Snow and ice are here. Fish will stay on the chomp, but metabolisms will soon require less food. November can still be a great month if you pick your days. It does not look like the next week will have any.
Trout spey action is picking up. I’ve been throwing the single hand Skagit since mid-September, but I got the two-hander going again this week. Been finding some fish willing to eat on the straight up swing with no stripping. As the water continues to cool, the swing will become a major thing. It’s all about water temp. Once that water hits the lower 40’s, fish will be less likely to chase a rapid retrieve. They like it served up easy on the swing. November is a great month for trout Spey “swing” action.
Fall Baetis have been coming on strong. Following the daily cycle of nymphs, emergers, cripples and dries can keep you locked. Soft-hackles too. Swing them, lift them and fish them in the film. The fish pay attention to the last mayfly prospects until spring, as long as they last. We’ll have to wait and see where things are after this cold snap. Hopefully we’ll see more BWO’s.
The nymphing game has been very strong and the cold weather won’t change that. Fish are beginning to concentrate in specific zones. As the water cools, they will back off shelves and move to softer inside bends. Dial in your location and presentation and you can find lots of willing players.
The small streams are going into winter mode and the lakes are nearing the hard water season. As things warm up again, the Mo will be your best bet for fly-fishing action.
Fly-tying season is on the horizon and might be a good choice for the coming week. We will offer free fly-tying classes starting in December for new tiers. If you are ready to join the fly-tying ranks, stop by and sign up. Our first monthly fly-tying nights at the Mighty Mo are kicking off November 21. These are open for spectators, new tiers and there will be a challenge for experienced tiers with prizes on the line.
If you need flies to float, to drift or to swing, we got you covered. If venturing forth, you might need a new warm hat or some Simms Exstream Foldover Mitts. If you are fly-tying, we got lots and lots of goodies to keep you busy on the vise.
Past reports from the Great Falls fly shop are available here.