Sounds like the gauge at Holter Dam was on the fritz recently but it looks to be working again. Flows are hovering around 3,000 CFS, which is the projected flow for the rest of the winter. This is a good level for both walking and wading and float fishing. This time of year it is all about the wind---if it is calm on the Mo give it a go! The weeds of summer have all died and are gone so getting weed-free drifts is easy and the streamer fishing--both stripping and dragging--is much more enjoyable than even just a few weeks ago.
Floating anglers have the entire run of the river from Holter down to Cascade....so it really depends on what is your fancy right now on the Mo: nymphing the deeper runs with tandem nymph rigs, head hunting for fish eating Blue Winged Olive mayflies, or covering water prospecting with streamers or October caddis. The entire reach is fishing well so there really isn't a perfect place to be right now...what matters is if you can go, you should go because the fish on the Mo are looking up for dry flies and chasing streamers.
The Upper river above Canyon Ferry is improving as well as trout from the lake move up into the river. It's a low numbers game fishery up there, but there are no doubt some nice trout to contend with. Nymphing a large zonker trailed by a basic smaller attractor is a good bet. It is also a nice option to bring a dry fly rod along to keep an eye out for big rainbows sipping on baetis dries if you are lucky. The carp are still in the river but the carp fishing is getting tough as water temps drop.
The Month Ahead:
The nymphing is always good and the Blue Winged Olive hatches are slowly waning but there are still bugs out on a regular basis. The Missouri River is a very consistent tailwater and always produces in November--just each day is different as consistent weather is important. Especially on calm, overcast days, keep an eye out for more aquatic hatches bringing fish to the surface.
Where to Find Trout on the Missouri:
Before a hatch occurs trout will hold in deeper runs. Missouri River trout prefer holding lies in river currents that are medium speed and not too slow. Throughout the day, trout are actively moving from holding to feeding lies on the Missouri River as they adjust to the current hatch. Deeper areas next to faster current are good places to focus with a tandem nymph rig. As a hatch develops trout may move to bankside structure or slide into shallower water. Anglers interested in fishing streamers can also find success on the Missouri River at the moment. As trout become more active in longer, deeper runs, swinging for trout with spey rods is increasingly popular and the results can be well worth it.
Favorite Flies for Fly Fishing the Missouri River Right Now:
Beadhead Pheasant Tail nymphs in flashback and natural in sizes 12 to 20
Firebead SJ wormies in sizes 10-18
Buzzballs in size 20-22
Little Green Machines in natural or olive in size 18-22
Zebra Midge in black, olive, or purple in sizes 18-22
Tungteasers in black, grey, or red in size 18-22
Jujubee midges in black and purple in size 18-22
Scuds and sowbugs in various colors in size 16 to 22
Sculpzillas in black, olive, or purple in sizes 2 to 6
Home Invader in any contrasting color scheme in size 2 or 4
Leeches
Sparkle minnows
Long Term Missouri River Forecast
The Missouri near Craig can produce some good winter wade fishing 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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