captain stubie, I haven't been out in the past couple of weeks; but, I have heard from a couple of peope that recently pink scuds and pink or red San Juan worms have been working on the Missouri. A couple of weeks ago I had luck with bead head gold rib hairs ear nymphs and bead head copper johns.
Check this website out:
Headhunters Missouri River Montana Fly Shop & Guide Service
They usually have pretty up to date conditions and fishing reports. You will find that the Missouri River regulars always seem to be using some variation of some local creation. The old standbys do seem to work for me; however, when the regulars say that a flaming-blue-mumbo-jumbo is working, well, I buy some.
I drove by the Boulder river the other day and it appears to be open. I haven't fished it yet this spring; however, almost any white or yellow dry fly in a size 14 to 18 usually seems to work there early in the year.
If you get a chance, hit my favorite fishing river in the world, the Little Blackfoot. The week before last I caught a bunch on bead head pheasant tail nymphs. It's not the most productive river in the state; but, it's close, it's hard to beat for beauty, and your not usually competing with a bunch of other anglers.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Maybe I can after I get out a few more times.
By the way, welcome to a sportsman's paradise. Oh, I'm sure other places in the outer 49 can make similar claims based on their own little pieces of heaven; but, I wouldn't trade it for any place else. Besides, we can always travel.
Until the Day,
Thom
---------- Post added at 11:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:13 PM ----------
I just re-read the thread and noticed you said you were new to nymphing and that you didn't say you were new to Helena or Montana. I apologize. I didn't mean to come off like a know-it-all. I just made an assumption that you were new to the area. My apologies if I came across in an inappropriate manner.