Missouri River Report 11.10.16

We are moving deeper into the month of November and yet, it appears we still have a handful of mild days ahead. The weather has been beautiful and the fishing has been quite good. Some folks are actually complaining about the too nice weather. I look at fishing on a beautiful day as a good thing, even if the bite may be better on a crappy one.

Remember, winter will be here soon enough. Later next week, we’ll see some typical November temps and possibly some rain and snow. Then the fishing should get really good. You won’t hear me complaining about that either.

If you're looking to stay current on river flows and temps, you can check them out here

The sunny and often breezy days of late have not been ideal for dry fly fishing, yet I’ve had several anglers loading up on #16-#20 Para Adams, Purple Haze and Donatello’s. They reported good success in the early afternoon and evening periods. When we finally see some cloudy, cool and damp days, the few anglers braving the elements should be in for some prime time action.

Nymphing has and will continue to be the mainstay for producing results hence forth. The scud fare is on the menu daily. Gray and Rainbow versions of the Ray Charles, Czech Nymph and Tailwater Sow are primary targets. A host of tiny midge and mayfly nymphs will also find favor.

Fall is a great time for tossing streamers. Searching for active fish willing to chase and grab a chunky fly is always fun. Many folks think you need a boat to fish streamers. Not true. While the boat provides the advantage of covering lots of water, the wading angler has some advantages too. Waders can target specific fishy water with multiple casts and flies until they find the right combination. If you move a good fish while wading, you can rest him for fifteen minutes or so and then try again. Maybe with a new fly or retrieve.

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I’m a trout spey guy. I’ve been swinging flies since I first arrived on the Missouri River. While I fish a two hand rod year round, it’s coming into prime trout spey season now. As water temps drop and hatches fade, trout will settle into juicy swing water. The Missouri River has abundant swing water. Broad runs, tapering flats, tasty shelves, bucket rich channels and expansive inside bends provide an endless canvas for two handed coverage.

Some of the best flies of late have been the Montana Intruder, Black Balanced Leech, Buff or brown Polar Minnow, Bald Eagle and a variety of buggers. Flashy flies typically work best in quicker waters, while solids generally find favor in slower stuff.  Some days, the Browns will crush a large fly. Other days, they will nip a small one. Rainbows have been eating just about everything. If I’m getting tugs with no commitment, I usually scale down the fly to find success.

I love the fall. It’s fleeting. It’s fishy. The days are getting shorter. The window of opportunity is coming down, yet now is the best time to catch the biggest fish of the year. I’ve convinced myself again. I’m going fishing tomorrow.

If you need to stock up on gear, remember to check out the fly shop