Evolution Fly Fishing

March can be an excellent time to come fish the Missouri River. Be prepared for some chilly weather though. We generally fish nymphs in the slower deeper water. The water temps are still pretty low, so these fish don't want to move much for the fly. But the whole river is our playground this time of year, the fishing pressure is very light. Dry fly action is spotty, but if the weather is right, there can be excellent midge fishing on top.

Water temps are coming up and spring is on its way. Spring Blue-wing Olives are starting to show along with the ever present midges. The rainbows are starting to spawn and some are moving into the tributaries. Nymphing is usually very good and the dry fly opportunities are more consistent. The fish are definitely getting more aggressive. Now is a good time to target some big browns on streamers.

Spring is here, and so is the rain. This can be a wet time of the year, so bring your Gore-Tex. Still got BWO's and midges, then by the end of the month the Caddis are getting going. Water flows are starting to creep up due to run-off and rain. Fishing is excellent though, with nymphs and streamers being particularly effective.

Caddis, Caddis, Caddis! All right folks, here we go. If water flows are normal the Missouri River can be high this time of the year, but it still flows clear. The fishing is insane and there are a lot of bugs around right now. The caddis are in full swing now, and when they hatch the sight of them can be absolutely breathtaking, and the fish know they're there. By the middle of the month the PMD's have arrived, and by the end of the month the Brown Drakes tend to make their appearance. These are my favorite mayflies on the river and the fish just love 'em. Fish just get dumb on the Brown Drakes. How ever you like to catch fish, you can do it during June.

Summer is here and the water has dropped. The weather is beautiful and the fishing is top notch. Dry fly fishing is great with caddis, PMD's, and later in the month the tricos arrive. If you want a body count, nymphing can put big numbers of big fish to the boat. Fishing pressure does start to pick up this time of year. No worries though, we still find peace and quite, and plenty of fish.

Tricos are in big numbers right now. If you want to challenge yourself and earn your Ph.D. in dry fly fishing now is the time to do it. The fish are becoming unforgiving to sloppy presentations right now. After the tricos fall we then tie on some hoppers or ants and go to work getting some big browns to show themselves. As usual, the nymphing is good too.

The days are starting to get shorter, nights are cooler, and the fishing is red hot. Caddis are still here and we are starting to see the giant fall caddis around. These aren't around in huge numbers, but the fish sure know they're here. Blind casting a big stimulator can draw some explosive strikes. The big browns are getting aggressive again, and tossing streamers can get you the fish of a lifetime. By the end of the month the BWO's are arriving again.

This is my favorite time to be out on the water, and, I think the best fishing of the year. Baetis are out in full force. If you get that magical combination of light rain and little wind you will swear that every fish in the river is looking up, just begging for a cripple to float over them. The fish are bulking up for winter and just want to eat. All you streamer junkies need to be here now for a chance to catch the biggest browns of the year. Come prepared for all sorts of weather though, it can get nasty this time of year. But not cold enough that a nice glass of bourbon can't warm you up at the end of the day.

This is the most under utilized month of the year. There is not a soul around and the river is ours. It can get cold though. But if you get out on the water you may be rewarded with absolutely phenomenal dry fly fishing. Streamer and nymph fishing is very good this time of year also.

It is cold. Fish get really lethargic and they aren't really grabby, but they still can be caught. If you really need to get your trout fix, nymphing is the way to go. Otherwise it's time to head south, tie some flies, have a gin and tonic, and think about the up coming year.