Missouri River Fishing Report 7.24.2017
The Missouri River below Holter Dam is running approximately 4,200 cubic feet a second each day. Water temps have been creeping up to the 64 degree ranges in the mornings and pushing to 68 degrees for a peak below the dam. We are looking good in terms of staying below the Hoot Owl temperature threshold, but water temperature is still a factor to consider. The key for your success, and the survival of your catch, is to fish early, when water temperature is lowest. Land and release your fish as quickly as possible. If you are fishing the lower river, be aware that the water temps will be higher than those found near the dam, making mortality a bigger issue.
A tip to help with successful catch-and-release is to use a net larger than your fish. A larger net makes it easy to get a quick scoop and the bag can hold the fish in the water, allowing them to breathe and recover. Your fish may not look as big in a larger net, but he is still as big as he is.
Despite the mid-summer heat, the fishing has remained very strong. Trico hatches are creating the big pods of rising fish that fly-fishers love to see. I’ve seen several anglers come in with stars in their eyes and smiles that must hurt after a while. It’s been that good because the trout really want to eat on top this season. There are still some caddis and larger mayflies around, but we are moving into what I like to call “fun-fly season.” Ants, hoppers, beetles and chubby attractors are definitely worth fishing after the morning Trico spinnerfall.
Nymphing can be very productive early in the day if you are not into the dry-fly game. The biggest challenge while fishing underneath is keeping your flies clean. Lots of weeds are floating in the current and they get progressively worse as you move downstream from the dam. The main seams and eddies holding the most fish are typically the weediest. If you want to catch fish, you’ll need to be diligent, meaning checking for weeds on your flies after each cast. Trout won’t eat them if they have junk on them. To combat those weeds, try shorter drifts in prime locations. If you let your bobber and flies drift too long, you’ll collect the green monsters and waste a lot of your time cleaning them off.
See which of these nymph patterns you DON'T have.
Key nymphs right now include Zebra’s and just about any tiny, slender mayfly in the #20 range. Beaded Little Mayflies, Psycho Mays, Radiation Baetis and Crust Nymphs are holding strong in #18. Sow bugs, scuds and Hares-Ears complete the picture in the #16 variety.
Temps today and tomorrow are forecast to stay below 90. Mornings have been nice and cool. Traffic on the river has been relatively light. Seems like a really good time to go fly-fishing.