Rain this last week and cooler air temps have allowed the falling trend in water temperatures and we are so very happy. Yes, the trout too.
Anglers are here for the October goodness and many, wait all, are coming in smiling at the end of each day.
How do you get here? Well, give us a shout and put together your fall trip today. We have operators standing by…
Missouri River Fishing Report
Nymph Game
Good to outstanding nymphing on a daily basis. The bugs do not have to be on or near the surface to get our 8K trout per mile excited. Cooler mornings have made for later start times, no more 6am starts hooray, and we have been fishing into the evening hours. Daytime hi’s in the 50’s and nighttime lows in the 30’s and low 40’s are what we expect for the remainder of the month. Maybe even some snow, sleet, and rain too.
The flies that have gained rockstar status int he past week include the Red Headed Step Child, Green and Pearl Lightening Bugs, Pheasant tails of all types and sizes, Indigo Child, Mat’s Auto-Cad,Rainbow Warrior, Purple L, Firebeads, Tailwater Saws, Arnold’s SiliScud, Rainbow Czechs, Tan UV Czechs, Worms, Zebra’s Quig’s Midge Pupa, Rusty Zebra’s and the like.
For the depth of your nymph rig? Variable and dynamic is your theme. They can range anywhere in depth and style form 6’+ without split utilizing the tungsten bead as your glorified and overpriced split, to 2′ w/ split. Try anything and change often if your shit ain’t workin’. The fish are in all kinds of water whether it be slow insides or hard outsides. Get in your own groove and rock out with your net out!
Dry Fly Game
Most are tossing mayflies at rising fish. The dry flies may not come out til the afternoon. Have not seen a ton of individual sipping trout until then. Then, find a nice pod and work on them. You know where they are, seek them out.
Adams and mayfly patterns rule. Quig’s Cripples, D & D Crips, Smoke Jumpers, BWO Half Dun Hatching, BWO Spinners from House of Harrop, small Adams, a little skittering caddis? You know what to do. Good drifts with quality fly patterns. And some luck. Enjoy!
Streamer Game
To Sink Tip or Not to Sink Tip? That is the Question. Both, or either. There is water for both types of angling. Get them out there and get the trout to take a look. Swinging, just swinging has been working well for some while others are doing the strip strip thang.
Clousers, bait imitations like Coffey’s Sparkle Minnows, Arnold’s Stinger, small and dark buggers, jigged buggers, Those big oversized Galloup streamers? Maybe? We got them in the bins if you ned them for other resources too. Many outside anglers stock up while in Craig, if if not intending to use them here.
Upper and lower alike are fishing well, so go out and do a long float, see a bunch of nice big Missouri River trout!
Missouri River Water Conditions
Flows are steady @ 3K. Actually 2920 this morning. We will see this flow for the remainder of the year and into the next as well. NExt summer, spring rather will dictate what will come for 2014. The water temps are falling nicely at a pace of 1/2 degree every 2 to 2 1/2 days. Baetis are around the corner. Overcast, moisture in the air, 45F, and bugs stuck to the top of the water? Ohh, a fantasy that is reality here on the Missouri River. Coming soon to our river soon.
Headhunters Fly Shop & Guide Service
Open daily @ 7am for free hot coffee and a load of morning bullshit. If that is what you need. If you need the latest and greatest fly pattern, we got that too. Gloves, hats, layering, jackets, fly rods, Demo Rods and SIMMS Rental Waders, Gink, Shimi-Shake, Leaders and Tippet…we got what you need for angling on this fantastic resource. Open late for your after fishing fix as well.
Stop in for your shuttle and we’ll fill your cup to the brim of hot piping Joe.
We have guided trips out daily and we will be strong through the month of October. Desire a quiet river with similar fishing to October? Yes? You? Think about November. It fishes very well til about Turkey Day.
See you soon on the Mighty Mo!