Location: Missouri River Below Holter Dam
Flows: 3180 CFS
Water Temp: 50 Degrees
Today’s Tips: Nymphing deep in the morning will get fish to the net. If needed, shorten up in the afternoon and focus on emergers. Dry dropper systems are always in play. Flashy streamers when the sun is out and darker more natural choices when the direct light is off the water will produce. If the bite is slow, give white a try.
Hatches: Pseudo, BWOs, and Midges.
Dy Flies: Being opportunistic is key this time of year, preparing for rising fish at a moment’s notice. Watchful and prepared anglers will put fish in their net with dries. Moving stealthy, keeping false casts at a minimum, and long leaders will help avoid putting fish down. When waters are low, and clear using a longer leader, and smaller tippet will put fish to the net.
Nymphing: Try nymphing down low in deep slow-moving runs. Fish will likely be hunkered down. Dredging with a wire worm, and small baetis nymphs should do the trick. Otherwise try using something with a hot-spot or flash back, like a Radiation Baetis in a size 18-20.
Streamers: Streamer bite is going to be tough with the sun being out today, fish will be tight to the depths in moving water, covering water and finding the opportunistic fish is how to get more fish to the net. My favorites for this time of year are Chicago Overcoat in the thin mint color or gold/white variations alongside the Bam-Bam minnow.
Trout Spey Scandi: Try an intermediate poly leader, paired with two soft hackles. Sized 16-18 BWO or Caddis followed by 18-22 BWO/Pseudo. Swing and drop into rising fish.
Trout Spey Skagit: Throwing flies like the “Mini Graboid leech” or the “Kryptonite Sculpin”. Recommended tip is MOW 5 ft float 5 ft t-8. Spey is picking up with this cooler temp, swing long and slow to tempt bites.
Topics
Fishing Montana Fishing Reports
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