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Seasons on
the Missouri
We're fortunate to have a long
fishing season on the Missouri River. Fishing begins in
early to mid-April, and ends in mid-November. Peak months
are June, July and October, although great fishing can be had at
any time. Runoff rarely affects the Missouri River thanks
to tail water influences from upstream dams. The following is a general breakdown of the
Seasons on the Missouri River.
Spring / April and May.....A great time to be on the
river. The Missouri is waking up and the trout are happy. Big
browns can be coaxed with a streamer, while the rainbows are
coming off the spawn and are hungry. Good hatches of Mayflies
keep us busy on top and the Caddis become active subsurface.
There is no shortage of action. Guides love this time of year as
there are continual opportunities in all levels of the water
column.
Early Summer / June-Mid-July.....Dry fly purists flock to
the river during this time period to take advantage of our
strong hatches of Caddis and Mayfly. Caddis flies litter
the water and air throughout June and July and the trout
eat lots of them. PMD's make a showing in mid June with good
hatches and terrific spinner falls. Trico's show in early July
and continue well into August. Certainly the busiest time
of the year and many of our clients return the same week every
year. Some say it is the most consistent dry fly season of
the year, and they may be right. It is damn good fishing.
Late Summer / Mid July-August.....A favorite time of the
year for Hopper enthusiasts. Most of the daily hatches have
disappeared, which does not mean that the dry fly activity is
gone. Callebaetis, Trico's, Hoppers, and Ants can provide
plenty of top water action. The fish are anxious to gain weight
and the nymph fishing gets stronger as the water cools and
September approaches.
Autumn / September-October.....September is the best
nymphing month of the year. Many clients who enjoy
consistent catch rates look forward to this time of year.
If you love to absolutely rope 'em on nymphs, come in September.
Callebaetis are still helping us out for trout willing to look
up, and the tiny BWO presents itself daily to haunt us
too. As October nears we turn our attention to Blue Wing Olives
and October Caddis. October is another month guides love. It is
a time where all disciplines of fishing can be employed.
Throwing big ugly streamers, tossing nymphs, and targeting
sipping trout are all part of an October day.
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