Transitions on the Mo
Transitions
We just got snow and the forecast is looking cold. The season has changed, and so have our rivers. We are fortunate to have access to a year round fishery on the Missouri. As the smaller freestone rivers lock down with ice and slushy flows, we will continue to have open water and feeding fish all winter long. Fishing weather depends on your constitution. I like calm days with temps near or above freezing. I know some guys will fish in just about any condition. In the cold season, you will need to pick your days, but they can be great days if you take advantage of them.
As water levels and temperatures drop, the fish move to the edges of the current, below shelves and drop offs, and into slow runs and deep froggy waters. Fish are no longer spread through the riffles and runs so productive during the summer months. This is not bad news. While there is less water to fish during the winter, the productive waters will hold fish in higher concentrations. Work these areas deep and slow. Try a few different flies. Be patient. The fish still eat throughout the winter. They will bite eventually, often during the warmest part of the day. That's also pretty convenient.
Fly Choices
While midges make up the bulk of the active insects, scuds and sow bugs are still available and draw lots of attention during the cold water window. A fire bead Ray Charles or a Rainbow Czech Nymph followed by a Zebra Midge, Rainbow Warrior or tiny Lightning Bug is a solid combo.
If you don't feel like drifting the little stuff, try going large and fishing streamers. In the winter, streamers can be very effective for moving lethargic fish or for picking up opportunistic cruisers. In deep runs, dead drifting is an option if you have a floating line. Slow stripping with a sink tip or intermediate line is also productive. We've got the Rio Streamer Tips and SA Streamer Express lines if you need to add a new streamer line to your arsenal. You might also consider swinging with a switch or spey rod. That's what I often do, and it's a great way to keep one hand warm between casts.
Dry fly fishing is always a possibility on the MO. In a few areas, you can chase your fix by offering tiny midge adults, Buzz Balls, or the intrepid Griffiths Gnat. As always, calm, overcast and milder days will offer the best top water action. At times, it can be quite good. You just have to be there and be ready for it, and that pretty much sums up winter fly fishing. Take a good friend. Make sure to bring the coffee or maybe an adult beverage and take it slow and easy.