Great Falls Fishing Report 8.7.2017
We are well into August and conditions have evolved into a new norm. The water is running at the relatively steady seasonal low flow of just over 4Kcfs. The water temps have generally remained in the mid 60’s. Cooler weather this past weekend and for the coming week should keep it where it needs to be. So far, we have survived the heat and while there is a stream of floating weeds, we are looking pretty darn good for late summer. We have experienced great dry fly fishing this year. Many Missouri River fish are conditioned to feeding on top daily.
What’s hatching?
Trico’s are the primary hatch at the current time. The volume of bugs can be variable day to day, but some fish are definitely locked onto them. Daily pods build up in regular places. Fish in these pods can be very selective when feeding on the Trico’s. While there are never any hard and fast rules, a caddis or large mayfly is more likely to put fish down than draw an eat from a Trico sucking pod of rising trout.
You’ll need to start out with the little female duns first thing in the morning. Lately, the prime window has been from a little before 8 to a little after 9 am. A tiny olive parachute is the best match, though an Adams gray or black body can still work. The smaller the better. #22 will get more eats than #20. #24 will get more eats than #22. Did I mention that they are tiny? The smaller bugs will get more eats, but you’ll land few fish. A larger fly will be more difficult to sell, but there is a chance you might land a fish once hooked. You can decide how to play it.
We've been spending a lot of time getting new fly rods prepped and available for sale online.
The tiny size holds true for the spinner fall. The single spinners are the same. #22 is a good size to rely on. Selling a tiny dead bug is tricky, especially if the wind comes up. Plan B is to fish a Cluster Midge or Buzz Ball, hoping the fish will eat it as a gob of glommed together spinners. It can sometimes work.
How do I know what to fish without a hatch?
Ignoring the Trico hatch or shifting to the warmer hours of the day, there is no specific hatch to match. There are a few caddis, some damsels, a random Callibaetis and some tiny Pseudo Mayflies that make Trico’s look big, but nothing for the fish to lock onto. That’s not always such a bad thing.
A video full of timely advice for fishing dry flies on the Missouri River in August.
Put on a big juicy hopper or Chubby, trailed by an ant, beetle or some smaller attractive dry fly. Without a hatch, the fish are back to being opportunistic. They can be tempted to eat many different things. I call it fun fly season. This is the time to get creative and try new flies.
Is anyone Nymphing with all the floating weeds?
If you plan to fish below the surface, get ready to battle some weeds. They are insidious. Jerk up on your back cast and watch your flies as they sail by. Snap it like Hank (this is the only time where this method of casting is allowed). If you still see a clinger on your forward cast, do another back cast, letting the line hit the water behind you, hopefully pulling the weed free on the next forward cast? Be prepared for lots of snapping, ripping (cursing) and tearing. Is it worth it? Spending an hour or two Nymphing can definitely build up some numbers to the boat, while likely turning it green from flinging weeds. The most popular area to nymph for the next month or so will be dam to Wolf Creek Bridge. You won’t be alone on this stretch, but there are lots of fish up there eating small flies like the revered Zebra Midge or a host of tiny slender mayfly nymphs. They can also be tempted on scuds and sows (as always).
Get all of these nymph patterns online here.
As you move lower down the canyon, bigger nymphs come into play. You need stuff that shows up amid all the aquatic greenery. Larger scuds, sow bugs, hares ear nymphs and pheasant tails are standard. Now is also the time to try the Zirdle or other impressionistic crayfish patterns. Some even drift a Pat’s Rubber Legs.
What about streamers?
Anything pulled though the water column is going to collect weeds. Fishing a streamer with a fast jerk strip is the only solution I’ve found. As long as your streamer is tied with slick synthetic materials, it will grab a minimal amount of extra baggage. A jerky strip will rip though many of the weeds it encounters, though you will still be removing some by hand. Sometimes, the steamer bite can make combating the weeds worth it. There is only one way to find out.
Enjoy yourself out there.
However, you go choose to go about it, late summer fly fishing is always a worthy venture. Someone in the fly shop is always standing by to help you with the gear and information you need to make the best of it.