Missouri River Fishing Report 4.6.2017
The crazy thing about April is that lots of people suddenly get interested in fly fishing again, but the fishing can be kind of spotty.
Waters have finally warmed a few degrees and many of the fish have moved from their winter haunts. Conditions are in flux as temps and flows can be erratic with tributaries running clear one day and muddy the next.  Mature rainbows are on their way to spawning areas or are already engaged in active spawning, taking many out of the picture.
I’ve heard a number of reports from anglers who have floated and drawn a blank or only boated a handful of fish.
I’ve also heard reports from wading anglers who caught a pile. The takeaway is that the fish are not spread evenly throughout the river.
As the water temps move upward to 42, things will get interesting in a hurry. Sometimes it seems that the fish are just waiting for the hatches to start. Midges have not been a big player this year so far. Maybe they are waiting to come off with the baetis. We’ll see.
In the meantime, trout are grazing on scuds and sow bugs and small minnows. Nymphing the scud and the sow are often the steadiest producers, we've got those available over here.
As waters warm a little bit, don’t get stuck on the firebeads. More natural patterns will often produce. We like the Mini Mo Czech and the Tailwater Sow.
Don’t be afraid to mix it up a little and include some small mayflies. The BWO hatch is just around the corner. The Crust Nymph in BWO size #18 can be a winner. Last year the Radiation Baetis was a key player. The Little Green Machine or the JuJu Baetis are always solid choices. The only way to find out what the best fly for the season will be is to try them all.
Streamer fishing is decent and will typically get better as the water warms into the middle 40’s. Keep the retrieve fairly slow for now, but be ready to pick up the pace as the water warms up. Smaller flies are generally the rule all winter, but hungry browns will often be motivated by the big stuff.
We’ve got some great Galloup’s, Fly Fish Food and Fly Project streamers to get you locked. Recently, the Gold Polar Minnow produced a 26" brown and a 25" rainbow.
Swinging flies is not red hot, but there are enough players to keep it interesting.  Clouds often seem to help. Lots of flies are working. 1.5 to 2" flies will likely get the most grabs, but the bigger stuff will provoke the fish you really want.
Browns seem to like the Bald Eagle. Keep switching it up until you find a winner.
If you like to swing, but are getting no love on the streamer stuff, switch it up and go micro. Soft Hackles in sizes #14 to #18 can get you the tight line grabs you are looking for. Once the Baetis and midges get popping, soft hackles can provide great action.
We’ve been busy stocking thousands of fresh flies lately. Fishing season is here and we are ready to help you make the best of it--our online selection is right here.
We’ll see you here or on the river. Tight Lines!