This Past Week
This past week, we experienced a serious thaw and some afternoon temps that were down right May like. When we get a thaw this time of year, the Chinook winds roll in with the warmth. The howling winds vacuum up the snow and ice and change conditions in a hurry. If the warming trend holds out for more than a couple days, then the winds usually moderate. The best winter fly fishing happens when the warming trend lasts for three or more days. Some lucky anglers managed to find the time to get on the water during this ideal window.
The reports varied from slow to really good. That’s pretty typical. The guys that did really good have likely made the proper adjustments to cold water angling. If nymphing is your game, then the scud, sow, firebead time is underway and always a good place to start. Midges are the bug of the season and many Missouri River fish will lock onto them all the way into May. Zebra midges and all the tiny derivatives will likely produce on any given day. Just change your colors until you find the happy choice. Red may be hot one day and black, purple or blue might rule the next. Flash, no flash, bead, no bead. There are an amazing number of choices for such a tiny critter.
If swinging is your game, now is the time to play. When faced with a steady diet of tiny larvae and pupa, it can be hard for a hungry fish to pass up a meal. Serve them up a bugger, clouser, sculpin or whatever minnow imitation you choose and you will find some eager players.
If you are a dry fly guy, you still have hope. Some Trout will feed on the midge on top, just about every day. To have a viable dry fly window however, you want to be out on that cloudy, calm afternoon.
We have been testing many swing, streamer and soft hackle patterns in our "Fly Tester" Tank here in the shop. Come on by and see what we are swimming. We have some great new tying materials you might not be aware of. See them in action. If you would like to swim some of your own patterns, bring them on in. You might be surprised how they go in the flow.
