June 15, 2022
Fly Fishing Update: Our thoughts go out to our friends and colleagues affected by the flooding of the Yellowstone watershed. @BigSkyAnglers or @YellowstoneNPS (on Instagram) are providing insightful updates on the developing situation. If you are a patron of those waters, please continue to support your local fly shops, guides and outfitters. The Missouri River will be seeing a significant increase in angler demand over the next couple months, as guides and guests seek stable waters. The series of reservoirs that feed the Missouri will create consistent and productive flows for the rest of our season. Please be kind and courteous to each other on the water. The Missouri is currently the best fly fishing in Montana- our late snowfall/wet spring is shaping up to provide unbelievable summer fishing. Here on the Missouri, water flows have increased from 4,000 CFS to a stable 6,530 CFS (below the historic median of 7,500 CFS). Cold, clear water is now reaching previously dried-up side channels. Fish and anglers alike are enjoying the diverse habitat that is now open. PMDs and Caddis are the highlight of dry fly fishing, along with prospecting terrestrials. This week saw a slight dip in activity, as wind gusts up to 65+ mph made dry fly fishing difficult. Calmer weather is ahead, and we anticipate incredible dry fly fishing to continue. Nymph fishing is the best way to connect in recent days. Heavy perdigons, sow bugs, scuds, and wire worms fished on a longer leader have all been producing. Focus on eddies and swirls, as well as bank structure. Streamer fishing has slowed down, but remains a viable option. Anglers are still connecting on sparkle minnows and kreelex patterns, targeting buckets and bank structure. Drop us a line and we hope to see you soon!
Missouri River Ranch
406-206-6989
