Missouri River Report 2.1.2017

Some great reports from the past week and weekend and some not so good. 

One guy told me he had the best day of winter fly fishing ever recently.  Two other guys told me they got skunked.  That’s pretty much how it goes on any given day.

Want to know what the river is doing? Check out current river flows here.

If you know the game, you are likely to be successful.  If you are off in your fly selection or water selection, you will likely draw a blank.  Most experienced anglers are very successful in the winter time.  The fish tend to be more opportunistic (less selective) and they want to eat.  Whether you want to feed them nymphs or streamers is up to you and how you like to fish.  If you need some suggestions on how to catch fish in the winter time, just stop in and ask.

The Nymphing game is solid right now. 

Fly tiers often have their own "special prescription" fly patterns, but there are many standard "over the counter" choices that can get you hooked up.  Here in the fly shop, we have turned a number of our special prescriptions into over the counter choices that you can grab and go.  Flies like the Mo Zebra, Mini Mo Czech, Tufted Zebra, Crust Nymph and all the Balanced Leeches will provide you with plenty of fly fishing ammo.  Venerable winter favorites such as the fire bead soft hackle sow selection are also indispensable go to flies for many anglers for good reason.  You can also get action on the good old San Juan or better yet the sexier Wiggly Worm.

Need just the right fly? Check out our selection here.

Swinging streamers is a great way to spend a few hours on a winter’s day.  I prefer using a double hander most of the time, but a single hander gets the job done just fine.  While there are lots of rod and line choices to consider, the most important choice is choosing the right water.  Walking speed current with three to four feet of depth is a great place to start.  Shelves and tail outs will also hold the more active fish.  Got questions?  Just ask.

Want more info on streamers? Read this.

If you need some help dialing in your Nymphing or Streamer games, I will be offering some specialty classes very soon, so drop me a line or stay tuned to our blog.  We’ve got lots of great events on the horizon to help boost your fly fishing game.

If you are not a fly tier yet, what are you waiting for?

We are also tying lots of flies here at the store and around town.  Come on over and let’s get you started.  Be sure to tune into the North 40 Flyshop Facebook page this Saturday at 11 for our next "Live" Fly Tying Showcase.  Post a comment to win flies and even a $25 gift card while watching the show.