As I write this fishing report, I’m watching Wicked Tuna and can’t help but notice all the similarities between the Blue Fin Tuna and the Missouri River Rainbow Trout. Both are full figured and pull ALOT of line out. I have had the great fortune to spend some time on the Mighty ‘Mo this May, and experience some of the best spring trout fishing I’ve ever seen. Spring is always exceptional, especially on area tailwaters like the Big Horn, Madison and Missouri Rivers. However, this spring seems to be exceptional.
In terms of the fishing, I am astounded. I temped the water on the ‘Mo between 42 and 46 degrees. We found cooler water at the dam and warmer water in the canyon. Fish were on the shelves, in the buckets, and in the tail-outs, doing exactly what they should be doing, eating! I have found blanket hatches of both midges and blue wings, especially on overcast days. The afternoon dry fly fishing has been a mix of smaller fish crushing everything while we hunt for the bigger singles.
As the hatch cycle matures, these bigger fish will begin to take notice and start to eat more consistently off the top. Exciting news for the dry fly angler! We have primary caught fish on blue winged dun imitations, with a CDC comaparadun holding the lion’s share of the trout caught dry fly fishing. I have also taken some fish on an orange posted, thread body Adams and a LaFontaine Buzz Ball. With fresh fish we have been able to shorten up our leader length and upsize tippet, helpful when you poke a big one.
