Missouri River Report 3.23.16

The Missouri River has been making anglers happy for weeks now. Nymphing is strong. Swinging streamers is still producing fish, but warming waters are also getting the fish primed for the chase. The water below Holter Dam is 39ish right now. It’s been hitting 41 degrees further downstream. Fish metabolism is beginning to crank up. If you want to fish the big streamer, they are working. White steamers have been great. Olive streamers have been great. If in doubt, fish Olive over White. Don’t be afraid to throw a big articulated job. Fish are hungry right now.

Jake was getting them to eat his white streamer.

Every kid and his dog was out enjoying the river this past weekend. It was really nice out there. I saw people in shorts and sandals. Of course, it’s snowed this week, but that’s to be expected during a Montana Spring. We will take the moisture however we can get it.

Notice the Simms Wading Koozy on Paul’s belt in the above photo. We use the products we sell.

This is a useful product for streamside hydration. Add, one, two or more to your belt and keep the excess weight out of your pack. Much easier to access. All the cool kids are using them.

If you want to catch a bunch of fish right now, you’ll want fish the midge. Fish are chowing on midges in the drift. There are billions of them, but they are small. Olive, Brown and tiny are the key. People often look at midges in the bin and say what would you use these for? I’ve seen plenty of 20-23" rainbows and browns eat #22 and #24 midges. Most folks won’t fish them that small. For those of you who are scared, we’ve got your #18s and #20s. They will still produce. How small are you willing to go?

Baetis are going to be coming on soon. They are pretty darn small as well, but generally a hook or two sizes larger than the midge. We’ve got lots and lots of Baetis nymphs, emergers and dries. It’s time to be prepared. In another week or so, there will be little sails and rising fish. Dry fly season is coming soon.