Missouri River Report 10.27.16
It's mow time on the Mo. Mow as in devour, chow down and eat like a pig. The long days of summer with an endless smorgasbord of edible options are compressing into fewer hours with fewer options. I always look at fall as panic time in the fish’s world. It’s like being at a casino buffet late at night when the crab comes out. There’s going to be a feeding frenzy.
See this MINUTE Mo flows right here.
Right now, there are plenty of midges and small baetis. A few larger baetis are in the mix with the prospect for large hatches on the horizon. There are also some caddis including a handful of huge Octobers. Now is the time to swing the big pupa or to try skating one up on a size 8.
On any given day, you can anticipate successful Nymphing. While always on the menu, sows and scuds are heavily favored as the meat and potatoes options. No bead, gold bead and hot bead versions will all work. Try a variety every day to find the chosen combo. Worms work also. Kind of like dessert.
Swinging or lifting emergers and soft hackles before and during hatch periods is a strong choice. You can’t go wrong with a Pulsating Emerger in Grey or Olive.
If you’re dedicated to fishing on top, try some techy spinner fishing. A female (olive) trico can suffice for a Pseudo. Dry fly fishing is typically great when the clouds roll in. The fading light of evening can bring fish to the top after a clear day.
Streamer fishing is variable river-wide, but very strong in places. My last two outings in the boat produced tepid streamer results. I found much better streamer success while wading. I deployed a Bald Eagle on my favorite Trout Spey Rod this week and discovered that the browns preferred the larger fly on the swing. Rainbows were all over flashy streamers on the strip with a single hand.
People are always coming in wondering if the fishing is any good. The answer is YES.
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