Mo Report: Two Different Rivers

The Missouri River from Holter Dam to Cascade is like two Different Rivers.  If you fish from the Dam to the Dearborn River right now, expect to fish some fine tippets and small flies.  The water is clear and the fish are tuned into Mayflies.  Big bright indicators are not helpful.  The most consistent action seems to follow the Mayfly cycle with fish keying on emerging baetis from about 10am to 2pm.  Under an indicator, Blooms Weight Fly is a great option instead of lead. I had good success with purple yesterday.  Fishing a visible size 14 parachute with a slim body mayfly dropper is a great way to go in the skinny water.

If you fish below the Dearborn where 900cfs of brown water is flowing in, you will find different conditions.  Want to fish a wire worm on 2X?  Go for it.  Bobber size and color are less of a concern.  How about drifting a bugger or crayfish?  That can work.  Soft hackles and caddis pupa are a great bet.  I’ve heard reports of fish eating ants and Chubbys.  Streamers off the banks can draw vicious strikes.

Caddis are becoming the dry of choice down low.  Kevin temped this brown to eat a caddis dry on Memorial Day under sunny skies.

If you fish up high, try the JuJu Baetis.

Have fun out there.  Be sure to stop in for the latest flies and info and to let us know your report.