The Missouri in December

We have a great resource having the Missouri in our back yard here in Great Falls, and although many consider the 'fly fishing season' to be from April-October the fish on the Mo eat all year long. Not only do they eat all year long but they can be caught on dries, nymphs, or streamers all year long. I was out this past weekend, and KK and John T were out the days before-- it was easier to catch fish this past week than it was in August. No weeds and no people are on the Mo relatively compared to the popular months. I did see a few others fishing but more guys trying to shoot ducks than anything else, I actually fished the run I intended to fish without having to share it. I would say this about winter fishing on the Missouri from December to February.

• If you nymph you will most likely catch fish during these months.
• Streamer fishing can be great, especially with a slow presentation.
• If the temperature is above 40 you can be comfortable, if it is above 50 and you take fishing seriously, you have to go (like a 'Powder Day' to a skier).
• You can legally have a shotgun with you until January 15th without getting funny looks.
• You can be home by dinner 'cause it gets dark at 5.
• You have a reason to spend money on Simms and Patagonia products, you may actually need them instead of them just looking cool.
• Nobody frowns at you for fishing with pink scuds, the hardcoreness of being on the river this time of year cancels that out.
• The fish have to eat every day, mother nature narrows downbest chow timeframe to about 11am to 2pm which are the warmest.
• Fish pictures with snow or camo waders get double cool factor.

Hope to see you out there, especially if it stays nice!