Lower Mo

Dam Temps: 50.2 Degrees

Cascade:  3620 CFS

Ulm:  3520 CFS

Morony: 4420 CFS

Fort Benton:  4810 CFS

Missouri River Pelican Point Down

Fall fishing is in full swing with reports of good to great dry-fly activity in the early to late afternoons. Look for BWO hatches and match those bugs with sizes 18 to 20. Midge activity has been solid in the waning hours of light right before dusk. A size-18 cluster midge is a great jumping off point. Nymphing continues to be productive fishing with a shallow setup of 1 to 3 feet in the seams and tailouts. Try using a size-16 sow bug as an anchor, trailed by a small 18-20 BWO nymph.  Streamer fishing has been producing some real quality trout.  Patterns like the Kreelex or Flash and Grab have been getting the job done.

Recommended Flies

Bob Quigley's Film Critic size 18-20, Sam Wike's The Flying V size 18-20, Shane Stalcup's Cluster Midge size 18, Lance Egan's Tailwater Sow size 16-20, Charlie Craven's Olive Two-Bit Hooker size 18, Sparkle Minnow, Chuck Kraft's Kreelex, Fred Tellen's Flash and Grab.

Pike Fishing

With colder weather on the way, northern fishing will be on the rise, especially on cloudy days. As colder weather and cooler water approaches, pike will head to shallows to fill up before the real cold hits. With the addition of colder mornings, it might not be necessary to be out there right away. Take your time to have some java and then head to your favorite haunts.

Pike Flies

Tommy Lynch’s Drunk and Disorderly; Dan Soltau’s Wild Thing Diver; Matt Grajewski’s Yardsale Black, Chartreuse/ White, Olive/ White; Satkowkis Devil Tail

Blackfoot

Meat, Meat, Meat. If you couldn't tell streamer fishing has been on fire as of late. You throw it, trout eat it. It is not necessarily about the right fly but the right bit of water.  Dries have been excellent during the afternoon window. Nymphing is, as always, very productive. On the dry side look to smaller BWO's size18-22. As far as nymphing goes, start with a size 8-10 coffee/black Pat's Rubberlegs with a size-18 trailer of your choice. (You really can't go wrong.)

Freestone creeks and rivers

This time of year, is a good time to get off the beaten path; snakes have gone by the wayside and bear activity, while still prevalent, is not quite as rambunctious. There are great places to dust off some classics like the Prince Nymph or a good Hare's Ear. You may just run into that October caddis that has eluded you all of autumn. In short get out there explore, and most of all tight lines!