Missouri River Report 12.1.16
Fewer and fewer people are fishing. Many are shifting into fly tying mode. Some are shopping for gifts. Fly fishing gifts are awesome. An assortment of flies, a Tacky Fly Box, a Simms Sling Pack, a Rep Your Water trucker hat with a Montana Logo, a gift certificate to one of our classes, a Yeti Colster, a Simms Beanie, some warm socks, some new fold over mitts and on and on. For those really worthy, a new fly rod is pretty special.
For those of you still considering some water time, the prospects remain good. Think midges and scuds or scud on scud. Fish are starting to shift into their winter lies and the prime fishing window has moved toward the middle to the latter part of the day, unless you are right up by the dam. Work that dead drift near the bottom in walking speed water and you can catch plenty of fish to make you feel a warm glow despite the chill in the air and the water.
Curious how the river is doing? Check out current river flows here
The swing game is on. I’ve been getting some action mid-morning, but afternoon to dark is the prime time. Fish have been falling for a variety of fare. The Black Balanced Squirrel has been a steady producer. Mini Montana Intruders and a few other house specialties have been in the mouth of many a rainbow and a few browns of late.
Need to stock up on flies? Check out our fly selection here
I’ve made the shift from a floating Scandi system to a Skagit (sink tip) system for the majority of my swinging lately. The fish are grabby, but you need the fly to be a bit lower and a lot slower now that the water is getting chill. If you need any help figuring out the magic combo for swinging success, give us a shout. Weather permitting, when I’m in the shop, I’m always happy to run down to the river mid-day and help anglers dial in their swing set up. If I’m not in the shop, I’m already out there.
Tom got his 4wt dialed in with a Commando Head and swung up this beautiful rainbow last week -
Need a Commando Head? Check this out.
So whether you fish in the cold, need a friendly place for some fresh locally roasted coffee, or are on the hunt for a great fly fishing gift, stop by your North 40 Fly Shop.