Missouri River Report 8.26.16
It’s been a week since we learned of the ongoing parasitic fish kill on the Yellowstone River and we are awaiting more information about the problem. There remain many great waters to fish throughout the state of Montana. Hopefully, we won’t see any additional outbreaks. Anglers need to stay informed and learn how they can prevent the spread of invasive species and disease. If you are heading to the Missouri River (or anywhere for that matter) from the Yellowstone region, please, please Clean, Drain and Dry. This should be standard practice anytime one moves from one body of water to another.
The Mo is fishing well right now. Fish a hopper. Nymph a crayfish. Rip a streamer. Target rising fish. Blind fish a dry fly. Short leash a couple bugs. Everything is working to some degree. Certain techniques will provide more fish, but success can also be measured by catching fish your way.
Want to try out some new flies? Check out our fly selection here
The entire river is fishing well. There are plenty of fish concentrated up by the dam. There are plenty of fish spread throughout the canyon and beyond. Water temps are in the safe zone and the fish are amped up. Prospects are good and it’s only going to get better as we move toward fall.
Want to know how the river is doing? Check out the current river flows here
On the Carp side of things, damsels, leeches and crayfish can put you way, way into the backing. Find a large fish on a skinny flat and you’ll be in for a ride. In the shallows, unweighted or lightly weighted flies work best. In deeper water, use weighted flies to get down in front of fish quickly. It’s kind of like bonefishing, only the fish are much bigger and they lurk in your own backyard.
Need to stock up on gear? Take a look at our fly fishing selection here
If you need help dialing in a particular rigging or technique, just stop by and ask. I’m on the water a couple days every week, but when I’m in the shop, I’m here to help you. Bring in your fly rod on any given day and head out the door with it rigged and ready for battle. Stop in on Saturday morning if you aren’t fishing. We’ll have coffee, donuts and the "fishing flap."