Hot Summer Days on Montana’s Missouri River
Trico feeders daily
Hot summer days have arrived as we move into the middle of July. Our hottest month here in central Montana with August cooling a bit as we round the corner of hot summer days and nites in the Rocky Mountain eastern region. So, how do you combat or plan for the hot days on the river while fishing Montana’s Missouri River?
Plan ahead. Knowing the heat will not only take you out of commission with the blasting heat and sometimes bothersome winds.
What to do? I have a few ideas that will keep you within the success circle of fly fishing the Mighty Mo this late summer.
Go early, go late. The mantra of mid summer anglers. Partly for the heat index, partly for the rising trout daily parameters. Rising trout like bigs on the surface. Spinner fall in the am, approximately 9 or 10am. Lasts a few hours. Some days longer, some days shorter. Be int he peak location for the peak period. Clusters or singles.
First cast is the best cast when dry fly fishing. You never get a second opportunity for the original surprise drift. The element of surprise is still valid in war. In hunting (heads) how many shots do you fire until you unleash the kill shot.
Nymphers like the center. As the weed quotient increases the middle of the river is attractive. Zirdle Big will be important beginning this week!
Evenings can be great. The hour, before the last hour, is killer. Some nights. Not always. But, just a few boats around and not too many wade anglers either. Good times. Caddis are generally king. Rusty Spinners a good idea. Buzzballs like to get eaten too.
Hoppers anyone? Ants rule too.