The Missouri River - A dry fly dream!
While great fly fishing can be enjoyed all year long on the
Missouri River here in Montana, it really starts to heat up with the weather in
the spring. Warmer temperatures in April
and May bring Midge and Baetis hatches which offer a nice challenge to those
willing to use size #20 or even #22
Griffiths Gnats or Adams. If you’re not
into tiny dries, spring is also a good time to throw big streamers for big
browns. It’s not uncommon to see a
handful of 24” or so Browns caught on the Missouri in the spring! If you want a chance at a true hog, it’s
definitely worth the trip!
Action really picks up on the Mo in late May or June when the
caddis start coming off. This is truly
some of the best dry fly fishing the state (or any state) has to offer. Most forms of caddis in the #14 - #18 range
will work, including Elk Hair, CDC’s, and Goddard’s. We’ve fished the Missouri enough to know where rainbows tend to form
their pods, and where the browns like to hang out waiting for an easy
meal. If you’ve never presented a caddis
to a slow-sipping 20” plus brown trout, here’s your chance. We’ll put you on ‘em! You will certainly not forget it once you’ve
done it!
The famous Missouri River Trico Hatch generally gets going
by mid July, another great opportunity for dry fly enthusiasts. Around that time the hopper fishing starts up
as well, which is some of our favorite fishing.
You can leave the light tippet and tiny bugs at home and just get after
it with some large foam bugs. They’re
easy to see, fun to follow, and offer trout an irresistible temptation when
passing overhead. Foam bug fishing is
just plain fun!
Our guides will typically favor dry fly fishing of any kind
over nymph fishing, but it’s always an option. Nymphing is pretty much always
productive on the Missouri, and can really come in handy when conditions aren’t
great for dries.
No matter what your preferences are as a fly caster, there’s
definitely something for you on the Missouri at some point in the year. Feel free to give us a call if you have
questions on when to come to Montana, we’re always happy to talk.
