Will we get more? Water is good for fish!

The Year to date precipitation update graph has the Missouri River Basin @ 88%. After last weeks storm it had crept up to 92%. Yes, a smidge below average, albeit not too bad. We had the good fortune to have had great water for the last 2 years. Are we in danger? No. Who knows?

We can survive on a less than perfect water year. We have endured many in the last 10. I do not want to see that again, but nature and water are cyclical. Up and downs, as in life, as in precip from year to year.

About half of the precipitation comes  in the form of rain in June. Of the 10″+ we recieve here in the canyon, 5″ falls to the ground in and around June. So, we will wait and see. The story of anglers lives. Bait, and wait.

We are 10%-23% behind in snow water equivalents in the Missouri River basin. The headwaters are behind which include the Madison, Jefferson, and Gallatin drainage’s and rivers like the Big Hole and Beaverhead too. Do your local snow dance and send good water vibes to your favorite river basin. It all helps brothers and sisters. Get your kids to join you. Youth never hurt the cause.

Will a less than average water year hurt us and the fishing?  Absolutely not.  As stated before, we are in good shape. The fish are fat, happy, and healthy!

That glorified gopher that popped out of the ground yesterday saw his shadow. As we know, and endured on network TV, it means 6 more weeks of winter giving us ample time to pile up more snow in the hills. The Groundhog knows. But he is wrong 40% of the time. Oh well, predictions are just that. Predictions.

More of this on the way? Yes, according to Pux. Phil, the Groundhog

I believe that fishermen come during the good times and the bad. We are a group of perpetual optimists. Common practice is to paint the picture rosier than it is. It’s true and it’s alright.

If we do have a below average water year, the wade fishermen will come out of the woodwork. They have been strangely absent for the last 5+ years. The fishing became more difficult and some of them looked for greener pastures. Well, that difficult time is over. Come on back, you may like it again.  The fish are bigger, there are more of them, and while not terribly easy to catch, many have swallowed the stupid pill. That will wear off. Lower water=easier wading. That’s a fact Jack! 

For up to date river conditions…keep it tuned to the Headhunters Network. Whether you read the Blog, the Fishing Report, the lodging site @ Craig Trout Camp, visit our photo site (updated lots, not stale, several categories), the Online Headhunters Store, or visit the mothership Headhunters Fly Shop site…or all 6 of them…you will find current information for all things Missouri River and Craig Montana. We keep our finger on the pulse for your convenience!