Missouri River Fishing Report by Headhunters Fly Shop 11.8.18
By angelamontana

Posted: November 9, 2018

Water flows and temps are just right for active fish. The water level has come up a bit in the past couple weeks with the weeds on the downturn. Some days a few in the late column but not too many to upset you as you fish mid November on the historic Missouri River near Craig MT.

Fishing not too bad. The nymph bite is better than the latter part of October. Deeper in the morning with split shot and you can integrate some of your winter flies into the mix.

Nymphers

A couple different nymph rigs that were employed yesterday include the deeper no split shot rig with a Hot Spot Hare’s Ear Jig at 5′ with a Zebra below. Worked well in during the morning session.

Then as the fish moved toward the surface int he early afternoon I set up a super short leash rig with a Tungsten Zebra up top followed by a Little Green Machine. Total length of the rig was two feet. Tossed it into shoreline situations with great success and into seam lines as well.

Not too good for the eddies that we have, but trade it for th longer rig and you should find that the net gets wet.

Dry Fly’ers

Blind fishing bigger Adams with a Zebra dangling is the hot tip. A big cluster would be a good ideas as well. The big cluster midge patterns are your winter goto. Stock up before you head out for the winter.

Some BWO action here and there, but they really are gone for the most part. When you do find fish rising a great presentation will take them all. Not too much completion form other bugs out there. Make yours look good by not dragging it. 

Streamer Anglers

Really doing well. Smaller leech patterns and larger soft hackles are the tip. I’ve been tossing a dry line with a light streamer. Unweighted. Or an intermediate sink tip with a un-weighted streamer. Good times. The fish without pressure on the river are on the banks and lying in skinny water. That first morning session before the light gets too bright is really quite good. As the sun rises, the fish sink into deeper regions.

Come by for strong info at the shop. Maps, ideas, suggestions, knowledge, and some streamer chi!

Trout Spey Swingers

See John’s Spey Report from earlier this week.

Seeing swingers out there daily. We love it. Keep in mind the $400 Spey Special we are running thru the end of the year. Come on out with a few buddies and get on board with the Trout Spey rod. No gear? No worries. We have you covered.

Headhunters Fly Shop in November

Open daily 8-5. Hot coffee, holiday sale items, trout spey gear, hand warmers, shuttles, guide trips, the best in winter lodging, and all you have come to enjoy about Headhunters Fly Shop in downtown Craig Montana.

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