Headhunters Fly Shop Missouri River June Forecast
Weather
Rain. A total of 6 days historically. 2.62″ on the average. Hopefully not snow. Sunshine. Yes. Mostly. Average high temp of 76F and low temp of 46F. Still a month where you should be prepared for anything. I have seen snow on the 11th. Only 9″ though. Gone that afternoon. Raingear? Yep. Sunscreen. Certainly.
Flows
Currently in the under 13K club. But that may not last. It could bump up a bit? or not. We will see the downward trend as the month progresses. How low will it go?
It is heading below 12K today. We are seeing the drop happening quicker that we anticipated. Keep it tuned here for the latest in water updates. Your information source is Headhunters.
We do know that some fish will rise @ 13K. PMD’s are out there on the lower reaches and the fish will respond. Caddis too.
8K is a flow that the fish really like. More at 10K, even more at 8K. Will we see 6K in June? Oh maybe. I doubt it, but have been incorrect a few times already this spring so why not again.
Spoke with Stephanie Micek who controls the knobs on this system and she said we will be relatively stable above 10K for some time. The lake is nearly full. SO inflows got go somewhere. Historically trying to peak the lake at 97% the 4th week of June. And that has not changed.
Flows from here on out are dependent on the rain that falls from the sky. Or hail which we had on the divide to the tune of 6″ this past week blowing out the Dearborn River for a day and consequently blowing out the river below the confluence for the day Friday.
We witnessed record inflows in May on all of the recordable drainages in Montana. Record. A good job does by the water managers to keep us in check here and create the most fishable water conditions that Mother Nature will permit. We like having water all summer long. One of the true advantages of living and fishing Montana’s Missouri River.
While run-off does change our fishing, at least we don’t have to travel to fish. We are here on the Mo 24/7 365 days a year. A wonderful place to be!
Hatches
PMD’s are here. They will become more of an issue as the water drops. This is my favorite fly fishing week on the Mighty Mo. Average or below average flows bring fantastic early PMD dry fly action. These higher flows will slow the pace for a couple weeks.
Expect PMD action to increase all the way through the 4th of July. Then it may wane. But wait! It does not end until sometime in July. Late July on higher water years. Sooo…that is this year.
Dry flies that will work for the front end include that classic parachute pattern you like. They are dumb easy in the beginning. Then they get more difficult every day. Cripples, spinners, and emergers rule this hatch. The Buzzball is a great pattern for both the caddis and PMD. Remember that our theme is generally presentation first. Fly Second. But if you like a ton of kick ass PMD patterns then look no further than your fly source on the Missouri River, Headhunters of Craig.
Caddis flies will come in better numbers as the month move ahead. Enough on the lower to see a few fish finding the top water caddis. IF you like that kind of action you may want to fish below Mid-Canon for the next couple weeks. It can, and will happen.
Downwinged patterns are popular because they work. those high wingers will get some fish early, but then you must fish it in the film man. CDC, short hair-winged patterns, and soft hackles will find you the best catch rates.
Ants. Fish them. Towards the end of the month you will need a selection of cinnamon, black, and bi-colored patterns on your person daily. Terrestrial play a big role throughout the summer months. Stock up today and fish them all season long!
Yellow Sallies will make an appearance in June as well. Have a few nymphs in your box along with a couple downwind Sally patterns. Although we do like the parachute versions for success. Put that fly in the film as well. And remember it is a stonefly. A small and yellow fellow.
The worm hatch will continue for those who like to soak their flies. All of your cool patterns that you tied all winter long are in play. Caddis Pupa and emergers. PMD techy nymphs like the Split Back and Two Bit Hooker. Fish them and enjoy getting the net wet. Iron Sally. A good one. GRHE too. Big PT’s? Sure. Small ones too. Zebra’s and small black PT’s will finish the month with the Trico on our minds. The nymphs are in play before the dry fly shows itself. Smart nymphers know that!
Lodging
CraigTroutCamp and CraigLodging are the two portals that you need for any lodging needs you may need fishing the Missouri River in Montana. 30+ lodging options for you to peruse. Book today with our booking agents at Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service in Craig Montana 406-235-3447. Lodging for two starting just over a hundred bucks. Lodging riverside for bit more. Lodging for groups. Lodging for every budget and need.
Guide Trips
Headhunters is the number one rated guide service on the Mighty Missouri River. Our annual return client rate is 78%. Strong. The best in Missouri River guides coupled with our famous Headhunters customer service gives you the best experience on the Mo!
Call today and we will fit you with the right fishing guide for your fly fishing desires. A dry fly guide to show you the difficult, albeit large, brown trout? Got it. A numbers man? Got it. A guide to educate your children, or your wife? Got that covered too. Let Julie, Sara, and Ninch cater your trip to you! It’s what we love to do and it’s what we do best.
We are open daily at 7am. Earlier sooner than later. Open late too til at least 8pm nightly. Find your gear needs at Headhunters with the best fly selection on the river. We have rods, reels, fly lines, logo wear, accessories and trinkets too. We built our shop around our fly bins and the fly fishing enthusiast!
See you this June in Craig. Any questions or for bookings call 406-235-3447