The river has now dropped below 4300 CFS, as promised several weeks ago.  Flows are prime for dry fly and wade fishing.  Hatches are strong, especially on the upper river.  If you’re looking for risers, concentrate on the stretch from Holter Dam to Mid-Canon.  If you don’t care (or actually prefer nymphing), you can fish just about anywhere.  The Canyon would be a good bet and you’ll see fewer anglers than on the upper river.  Caddis, PMD and attractor nymphs will produce in the Canyon, and if you stick with a hopper long enough it should yield a hawg or two.

Pale Morning Dun

Technical fishing contiues to be the rule for dry fly enthusiasts.  No problem finding rising fish on the upper, but they’re snotty and spooky.  You’ll still need to carry a wide variety of patterns that imitate all stages of PMD, Trico and Caddis.  Emergers fished just under the surface film work great, but are you dry fly fishing?  Only you can answer that question.  Cripples and spinners are most important for the PMD’s, and spent or emerging patterns are critical for caddis.  They’re tough, so don’t get frustrated.  “He who makes the most good presentations the quickest wins” – 21st century western fishlosopher scumliner.

Flying Ant

Nymph fisherman continue to report excellent fishing on most sections.  The Grape Slushy, Rainbow Czech, PT Flashback, Military Mayfly, and Silvey’s Pupa are all good choices.  Keep your leader 5-6 feet from indicator to split shot.  The river has shallowed considerably over the last two weeks, and that should be as deep as you need to fish in most places.

Caddis

Ethics
Water temperatures are climbing on the Missouri, and anglers should be careful not to overplay a fish.  Modern tippet material is pretty tough stuff, and there is no reason you should fish a fish for more than a couple of minutes.  If you do, that fishes chances of survival are slim, especially after you remove it from the water to take a dozen photos.  Most fish can be landed in a minute or two (or less).  Please understand the correlation between water temperatures and fish survival.