St PAts Tuesday Missouri River Fishing Report
36.5F water temps with 3K cfs. Normal.
About a foot of snow fell this weekend on the mountains and plains. It has evaporated on the plains. It has not in the mountains. Thankfully.
An uptick in the Snow Water Equivalent lets us breath a bit. More spring snows are needed to give us some breathing room.
Spring weather certainly in the forcast. Looking for air temps in the 60’’s this week. Warmer than average. Winds will accompany the bright sun. Heavy winds. Although quite normal here in central Montana.
Look for the water temp to begin their upward movement. Midge for now, BWO’s on the horizon, March Browns, and caddis…
Nymphers like the pink sowbug family. Pill Poppers, Perdition, Pink Sock Sowbug, Heavy Ho Sow, Tailwater Sow, Worm, Finch’s Thunderbug, Aero Baetis, Amex, Zebra, Caviar Scud.. Finding fish in winter waters still. You can go outside of that realm, but if you are batting for average you will keep in mind the water temps. Not spring like, not warm, winter like techniques will be rewarded with higher catch rates. Spring and summer are on the horizon. Wait to empty those techniques when we arrive. Most are not tossing the split shot. But, some who like to live int he zone a long time will certainly heed the winter-spring fishing techniques.
Strippers liking intermediate sink tips. Some tossing a the I/2/4 or I/3/5 sink rates. We like them all. Try out the new Sage R8 POWER rod while you are here for the streamer checking gang. Black and flashy. Broken record report. The brown and yellow combo has been taking a few out there. And I hear white is happening? Fishers like the back ends of runs.
Swingers Unite. Scandi is back? Lots have been tossing the lighter housing all winter long. Others still sticking to their guns and dredging up some dandy’s. Skagit anglers with the 5’x5’ Int/T-8. Some starlight T-8. Some lighter 2.5’Fx7.5’I. Your choice. IF you need more ammo in the line arena come see us at HH of Craig for the best in Trout Spey info and gear. We got you! Montana Intruders, R2R. Skiddish Smolts, Goldie’s, Thin Mints…
Dry Fly anglers getting ramped up. Put on a new Headhunter Dry Fly Line designed for the dry fly game here and beyond. Available in 4, 5, and 6 weights. The game changer for your dry fly game. Some midge events out there. Clusters, singles, patience, and dedication. You will get one. Keep casting. Waiting. Watching.
Headhunters Fly Shops and Guide Service open daily. Izaak’s Wednesday thru Sunday 3-9. Craig TapHouse getting online soon. Have been open weekends. It is spring in Montana. Come visit and say hello at Headhunters Fly Shop.