Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 9.3.23
Fishing well the first week of September on Montana’s Missouri River.
A grade? How about a B. A bit above average as we come out of the two hottest months, air temps, of the season. Daily air temps are dipping this afternoon along with totmowworw Labor Day Monday will get us closer to the historically strong fishing September.
How will it fish for the month? Look back on Friday September first bog and find the Fishing Forecast. But in reality we will not know until the calendar has changed to the tenth month.
But all front end indicators are good. Weeds, about average. Not more than average. Will they disappear this month? No, not generally. September can nymph like gangbusters. The bite has been increasing and the insects int eh water are increasing with the October Caddis Pupa making a daily appearance and Callibaetis coming up frequently in the shop.
Bigger Hares Ears and Pheasant Tail derivations will fill that larger mayfly need. Small BWO and Pseudocloeon nymphs are king as well. Sam olive, pheasant tail, or darker bodied narrow bodied mayflies are a good idea as a second fly. The Zebra too.
The whole river lights up as we move into the middle of the month.
A dry fly desert historically but there can be great localized Callibaetis spinner falls in some silty bottomed regions. The terrestrial bite can stay through the month as well. Ants, hoppers, larger beetles.
Holter Dam for the most part for many nymphing anglers. The afternoons fishing better as you head down the stream. Less traffic as you get towards Craig. The canyon gaining popularity again as the September really gets rolling. Cascade reach? Yes, more and more.
Slow for the next week on guide traffic but September picks up greatly.
Water temps are hovering around 64F with water levels currently 4800cfs.
Shop open daily. Book your September, October, or November fishing trip today. Trout Spey season is nearly upon us. The streamer checkers will arrive soon as well. We have guides for all of the above. Lodging at www.CraigLodging.com Call today 406-235-3447
