Daytime high temps are decent for the Mo right now, but water temperatures are still cold and will remain so for the next several weeks. Hatches of midges will increase, and there are legitimate opportunities for dry fly fishing, but conditions have to be perfect--no wind, a little sunshine in the morning to penetrate into the water to kick-start the insect activity, and then some overcast to roll in.
Even with the potential for good dry fly fishing, it is still mostly a nymphing game on the Missouri River and the normal Missouri River standards of scuds, sow bugs, worms, and smaller midge larvae or baetis nymphs will produce. Just make sure you find what water the fish are holding in as they won't be uniformly spread out this time of year. Some dry fly action over midge hatches can also be a lot of fun in the late afternoon. Dress warm, wade smart and safe because if you fall and fill your waders with water you don't have long before hypothermia sets in...and nobody wants that.
The Month Ahead:
The Mo should produce all winter. Later winter will see some decent midge hatches and a chance for dry fly fishing. Wind can be an issue in the winter but the trout should still be feeding in the afternoon hours on a daily basis.
Where to Find Trout on the Missouri:
The Missouri below the dam at Wolf Creek can be a great early spring fishery. Nymphing the slower seams will be the staple until the stronger midge hatches arrive in the later winter and early spring.
Long Term Missouri River Forecast
The Missouri near Craig can produce some good wade fishing for the next month or so, but it is a big and windy river to float in the winter months. Standard fair, like a pink sow bug trailed by a midge larva, is a good option.
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