Summary:
We just got back from a 5 day Missouri River fly fishing bonanza. Obviously, the fishing was great but we also caught a 20″ fish every day. The dry fly fishing is just starting, but the nymphing was spectacular for the first several days.
We are heading back up this coming weekend so we’ll keep you posted.
Best Technique:
Nymphing is still the most effective technique until the water temperatures come up a bit. However we did see some Baetis, PMDs, and a few caddis are starting. Your rig should be 6 to 7 feet deep weighted heavy.
Weather & Water Conditions:
The weather was mostly over cast and gusty winds through out the week. Water temps were in the low-fifties. The water was flowing at 4,600 cfs and have started bumping 500 cfs every day for the next few days. The water color is great until the Dearborn River which is kicking up some mud, bug still fishable.
Hatches:
Light Baetis, some PMDs and a few Caddis. All starting around 11 AM.
Best Bugs:
Our flies were a small orange San Juan worm (sz 14), Bett’s Micro May (sz 16 18), and a Zebra midge (sz 18).