"The people who straighten out their casts are the ones who get the strikes," Guerin said.

LURES AND BAIT
Those who haven't yet caught the fly-fishing bug should approach the Little Mo's spooky summertime rainbows with ultralight spinning or spincasting gear, 2- to 4-pound-test line and small lures. Inline spinners no larger than 1/8 ounce, downsized crankbaits such as the Rebel Teeny Wee Crawfish, tiny marabou jigs suspended under the smallest casting bubble you can find, and minuscule minnow imitations are all popular artificials.

All the usual trout enticements will work here: red worms, salmon eggs, marshmallows, canned corn (dye it with a few drops of red food color for a change of pace), waxworms, balls of bread or cheese, crickets or any of the prepared baits, such as Berkley PowerBait. Fish baits on short-shanked hooks with just enough weight to keep them on the bottom or slowly rolling downstream when the river is flowing. Some folks inject air into worms or add marshmallows to float their baits just off the bottom.

Wading boots and lightweight waders, polarized sunglasses, a hat with a brim and a vest or chest pack to carry lures or flies and extra terminal tackle complete your gear. Sunscreen is a must at this time of year for everyone, regardless of skin color. Trout anglers must carry a fishing license and $5 trout stamp, available at AGFC offices and tackle dealers statewide.

FISHING WITHIN THE LAW
From 100 yards below Narrows Dam on Lake Greeson to the state Highway 27 bridge, anglers may use no more than two rods. From the dam to the upstream end of Riverside Park, you may fish only with artificial lures with a single barbless hook, and all fish must be released immediately. Chumming is forbidden in this area, too. From May 1 through October, the same rules apply from the upstream end of Riverside Park to the gas line that crosses the River Ridge pool.

An old guide's trick for ensuring that your barbless flies and lures will pass muster with enforcement officers is to push the point through your shirt. If you can back the hook out cleanly, consider the hook barbless. If it hangs up on the way back out, mash down the remaining barb with pliers and repeat the test until the hook is truly barbless.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION
The best source of up-to-date information on the Little Missouri is guide Jeff Guerin's Web site, LittleMissouriFlyfishing.com It includes a forum, catch and release tips and information on how to arrange casting lessons or fishing trips with Guerin. He also describes fishing trips with his customers and makes day-to-day observations about the river and its trout-invaluable information that will help all anglers enjoy this very special river.