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Spring Hatches
The next big fly fishing event in Montana? Missouri River Spring Hatches.
We wait all winter long for the spring to arrive here on the Missouri River. The thought, the dream, the anticipation of Spring Hatches get us through those short and dark days of Montana Winters.
When do the Missouri River Spring Hatches start?
The first big Spring Hatches occur in mid February. Enough midge are present to get our Missouri river Trout start looking up. Sipping, slashing, and hungry fish are cruising eddy’s, seam-lines, and beaches looking for a good bug! And bugs, the marvelous midges they do find.
Midges begin hatching in earnest in Mid-February. Mega Spring Hatches by Mid March.
While the midges are in full swing the Baetis begin to show. The BWO’s are a Spring Hatch and a Fall Hatch too. We like both! The spring Baetis add tp the excitement and commonly both midges and baetis are hatching at once.
Hooray for the Spring Hatches says Kelly!
The bugs begin in the morning with the Midges leading the charge. They may hatch all day long. Around noon the BWO’s get moving. The nymphs are moving around subsurface allowing for hungry trout to feed before and after the primary hatch. Fish love to eat on this great river. The Missouri River is a bug factory!
Baetis. Male. Yummy.
Also present, later in the spring is the March Brown. Does it come in March? No, not really. More like late April. The Baetis are still going strong, the midges are present, and here come the March Browns. Oh, the glory of a spring creek like fishery.
Doubles on Montana’s Missouri River. Spring time madness!
Yes a truly wonderful bug the March Brown. The trout get on these fellas and will move from their lane to feed on them. One of our favorites. Not as strong as the baetis or the midges, but fun nonetheless.
A few Stoneflies in the Spring too.
Many anglers find the river in the spring more amenable to their liking as the pressure is less than the heat of the summer. You can achieve all day dry fly fishing as well. It may not be as common as the summer months, but it is still fantastic.
Don’t forget about the Skwala’s. Not so well known Stonefly for us on the Missouri River. Also, the Mother’s Day Caddis. Here on the Missouri you ask? Oh, yah. We got those too.
Casting for trout on the Mo.
Call us at the shop @ 406/235-3447 7 days a week for additional information in regards to the hatch schedule and historical hatch cycles. We love to talk trout!
One reason to come is our great Spring Special offered from March 15th thru April 30th. $300 Guide Trips and discounted lodging too. A bargain and a hard time to beat. Come visit us during the quieter spring with unbelievable Spring Hatches.
Want more information and fun from Headhunters Fly Shop?
- Check out our daily Blog and Fishing Report
- Our Facebook Page. Daily fun here too!
- Watch Spring and Summer Videos here on Headhunters TV
5 comments on “Spring Hatches”
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HI Gentleman, I’m hosting a trip in June 2013 to your area. What I am interested in is how the weather affects the Missouri around Craig, Montana. Iam also interested in a float trip for (4) fisherman. If you could help me out, I would appreciate it. Time for trip is June 11 or 12 2013 …Thank You ..Bud Murray
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