Missouri River Report 9.9.16
So I have a bit of a fish story from this week. On Wednesday, I got a fly box in the mail from a customer up in Calgary. He sent me a nice batch of carp flies and a request for some information. I figured I better hit the river at lunch and give him an up-to-date conditions report.
Want to see how the river is doing? Check out the current river flows here
Wednesday was partly cloudy, breezy, 72 degrees and the carp were up. I opened up the box and recognized a Carpin Crunch. It’s nice to see that someone watches my videos.
If you haven't been watching Fred's videos on the Carpin Crunch, here is your chance. Its worth it.
I tied on the Crunch and picked out a chubby tailer. It took a few casts before he saw the fly, but when he saw it, he ate it. I found my way to the water’s edge and was locked up with the beast when I heard from behind me, "Police Officers."
"Is it not okay to fish for carp?" I asked. "Oh hi Fred." They recognized me from the fly shop. "We are on a manhunt. There is a suspect wearing a black hoody who just committed an armed robbery." "Be careful and give us a call if you see him." "I wish I was doing what you’re doing." And off they went.
I figured no robber was going to mess with me armed as I was with an 8 weight, so I decided to shelter in place and keep on fishing. Besides, I had a report to give.
Looking for a sturdy, fast action rod to arm yourself with? Check out our fly rod selection here
While fighting the next fish, I was scoped out by a chopper. They were searching for the robber up and down the river and I was skulking around the river’s edge hooking more fish. Every time I moved, it seemed they’d swing back by to see if it was just me or to check out my carp action. Just another ho hum day urban carp fishing on the flats of Great Falls, MT. Thanks for the flies, Peter. Good luck out there.
On the trout side of things, the word is good. I like streamers. Sam likes dry flies. Kevin likes dries, but will fish nymphs down to size #24. We are all catching fish our way. That’s one nice thing about this time of year. All options are on the table. Start early with the streamer. Gold, Silver and Copper flash or Olive, Black and Yellow solids can all get attention.
Switch up to the dry if you find some risers. Caddis, Trico’s and tiny Olives are the likely hatch. Run the hopper, ant, beetle or stimulator because it’s fun.
Shift to the nymph when the wind gets to blowing. Crayfish, worms, mayfly and midge bead heads are on the menu. Cycle back around as conditions change or you move on to new water.
Want to try out some new flies or stock up on your favorites? Look for them here
If you want to tangle with carp, come talk to me. If you need some juicy flies for trout fishing, we got you covered. I’ll be out guiding this weekend. See you on the water.