North 40 Fly Shop eMagazine October 2017 | Page 60

HOW TO
RUIN & KILL IT
ON
YOUR
MISSOURI RIVER TRIP
BY FRED TELLEEN
The Missouri River is well known for producing
an abundance of oversized trout that often are
as willing to rise for dries as they are to eat
nymphs under the surface. This reputation is
well deserved. Anglers from all over the world
plan vacations here, some as much for the
beautiful scenery as the fishing. But don’t think
that just showing up is going to guarantee you
the fishing trip of your dreams. You need to
have a plan and practice your skills before you
arrive. And once you get here, it pays dividends
to talk to local experts. After all, they are the
ones who track this river daily and know what’s
going on. Their experience pays dividends in
your success.
How to Ruin Your Missouri River Trip
Bring bananas onto your guide’s drift boat, and
whistle up some wind.
How to Kill It on Your Missouri River Trip
Hold off on the yellow fruit and, instead, bring
lots of soft and hoppy beverages. And be sure
to fill that cooler with ice. This is a dry climate
and dehydration could be an issue for you and
your guide.
60
How to Ruin Your Missouri River Trip
When you walk into a fly shop, ask the shop
employees if they have a particular pattern in
stock, and tell them how well it worked on your
last trip in Colorado and how well it’s going to
work for you on the Missouri. Be sure to continue
telling the fly shop folks or your guides about
what works on the other waters you fish that
aren’t the Missouri.
How to Kill It on Your Missouri River Trip
Regardless whether you are planning a DIY trip,
or hiring a guide, find a fly shop or talk to your
guide/outfitter and utilize their expert local
knowledge. Put your experiences aside and let
them do the talking. Ask how they can help you
increase your odds of success on the Missouri
River. Make sure you are clear on their answers,
so you can make informed plans.
How to Ruin Your Missouri River Trip
When you discover that you’ve arrived during
prime caddis conditions, tell the guys in the
shop you already have plenty of caddis and
head directly to the river.
How to Kill It on Your Missouri River Trip
A caddis is not a caddis when it comes to fly
patterns. Certain patterns and fly styles work on
the Missouri and others do not. And, just because
the caddis hatch is on, don’t feel that you don’t
need other options. Find out what other bugs
are hatching. Find out the daily timing of the
hatches. Determine how you want to approach
the fishery. Ask for information regarding what
fly stages you should be focused on throughout
the day. Develop a game plan, find out what flies
you need for success, and then buy some.