Missouri River Fishing Report 5.22.2017
It’s May 22nd. We are right in the heart of the spring fishing season.
Last year, the Mo was running 5730 CFS. Short leashing small nymphs and dry dropper fishing the skinny flats was producing fish. May 22nd 2017 is a little different.
This is last year's report from this time. Snow and 82 degrees.
Almost Entirely Unlike Last Year
This picture was taken last Thursday at the mouth of the Dearborn. The water is running somewhat clearer now. Today’s flow is 11,300 CFS at Holter. By the time it reaches Cascade, it’s at 13,700. That’s big water and we still have significant run off on the way.
Depending on rain, heat and various climatological factors, the river will shift in and out of prime fishable shape in the portions below the major tributaries. One thing will remain consistent however.
The fish will still be eating. They will be eating lots at times. Insects are still hatching. Scuds and sowbugs and worms and crayfish and minnows are easy pickings in higher flows. When the water drops and clears, expect to find some really healthy trout.
When will it drop? It’s going to be awhile. It’s still going to be coming up for some time yet. These are what we like to call flushing flows. Consider the next month or so to be spring cleaning. After several years of lower than average flows, the river really needs it.
Can you still fish it? Yes. As noted, the fish are still eating in there. They are getting stuffed on a smorgasbord of drifting protein. High colored water means you can deploy the #12 Nymphs and Sow Bugs and even larger Worms. You can fish 2X. You can ignore those tiny midges and BWO’s and pack away the 5X until late summer.
Need bigger tippet and leaders? They're online here.
Does High Water Get You Down?
What else can you do if you don’t want to get in there and fish that big river water?
Try a Stillwater. We have lots of options, and some good write ups to get you pointed in the right direction. Upper and Lower Holter, Upper and Lower Nilan, Wood Lake, Willow Creek and Pishkin to name a few of the obvious choices. Pull out the map and you will find there are many more options.
Many people only focus on Stillwater’s during the spawn. The fish are actually eating more now and they are very energetic and lots more fun to catch. You may not see them, but if you cast and retrieve leeches and nymphs, they will find and eat your flies. If it’s calm, you might find them up on chironomids. Soon, they will be chasing damsels.
Stock up on nymphs and leech patterns here... you're going to need them for awhile.
Some lake fish are rather rotund, but they still have room for a Balanced Leech-
If you need help making a plan for where and how to fish, swing on by. We are ready to outfit you with the tools and information to have fun in all conditions-- or reach out to us using the form below and ask that way--we'll work to get back to you within 24-hours.