Missoula Fishing Report
Bitterroot River

Missoula Fishing Report 10/27

by missoulaflyfishingoutfitters

Missoula Fishing Report

October 27th

The days are getting shorter and a little bit cloudier. The fishing has been tricky. All around, streamers have been doing well lately… be sure not to leave your box at home! Don’t forget that some of the tributaries and smaller water is home for lots of spawning browns. Try fishing the deeper riffles. Explore them instead of your usual spot.

fashing raport

Clark Fork sunset recently.

Blackfoot River: STREAMERS. They are going off on the Blackfoot. Dark articulated junk. They like sparkles. Throw a kreelex or a sparkle minnow of your choice. As for dries, October caddis are out here and there, orange stimis, BWOs, baetis, parachute adams, and mahoganies. For Nymphs, try cutting the legs off of an orange Pat’s rubber leg to imitate an October caddis. Copper Bob/John, red lightening bugs.

Clark Fork River: There have been some good cloudy days for mayfly fishing on the Clarky lately. Terrestrials are still working… If you are stuck in a slump, don’t hesitate to try a hopper with a rubber leg underneath it. They are generally going for the dropper these day. Try a nymph with something flashy on the bottom, stonefly-attractor patterns. As for the deeper pools, green, black, yellow, and white streamers are your best bet.

Bitterroot River: Generally, fish haven’t been rising as we’d like. If you’re giving it a shot, a nice BWO may get the job done. There are some hecuba left. The upper stretches are better than the lower. Throw smaller flashy stuff for streamers. Orange Pat’s rubber legs for an October caddis imitation, Bird of Prey.

Rock Creek: It has been spotty up there. On the rainy days, BWOs have been a good option. The mahoganies have been coming off, along with October caddis and some mayfly action. Sparkle streamers, olive, brown, black, and white streamers. They have been turning for some smaller streamer patterns in lots of places- that is definitely worth a shot. Try a wooly bugger. Size 10-12 hopper with a flashy nymph below it; pheasant tale, bird of prey, lightening bug, batman nymph, or a Copper Bob/John.

In The News:

-30% off our whole streamer selection! (We have loads of good ones!)

-20% off G4 Simms Boa boots

Missoula Fishing Report
Bitterroot River

Missoula Fishing Report 10/21

by missoulaflyfishingoutfitters


Missoula Fishing Report

October 21st

The fishing is looking up. Though the weather ison and off, it is giving us something to work with. Cloud coverage and colder days are moving in, making for good mayfly fishing and just more prolific hatches in general. Be sure to have some streamers on hand, wher
ever you may end up. Prime time fishing doesn’t begin until the water warms up a little bit… Mid afternoon has been a great time to wet a line, though it has been going off right before sunset in certain spots as well.

fash raport 

Blackfoot River: Streamers have been doing the trick in the deep pockets of water. They really dig the junky articulated stuff- blacks, olives, yellows, sparkle minnows. Apart from that, size 10-12 hopper is still being eaten during the afternoon- try throwing on a Copper John/Bob or a Bird of Prey (to imitate the October Caddis). While they are eating on top- PMDs, BWOs, baetis, and your favorite mayfly.

Clark Fork: Seems like the Upper Clark Fork has been more consistent than the other parts. Streamer fishing in that area is killer, and mayfly patterns are a great option for the Clarky on these cloudier days. Don’t rule out the stretches through town, nor the lower parts, as they have been going off as well- just more spotty than we would like. October caddis, mahoganies, PMDs, and orange stimis. For nymphs, try a hopper-dropper rig with a Goldie Hawn, San Juan worm, or a Bird of Prey.

Bitterroot River: Lower has been more of a mystery, or simply bug-less. As for the middle and upper stretches, there is more action. If you chuck a big heavy streamer near the bank, you may just land a nice big brown. The fish have been rising higher upstream, eating mahogany patterns, the occasional hecuba, baetis, and orange stimulators.

Rock Creek: It’s been spotty up Rock Creek. Streamer fishing has either been realllly good, or reallly not so good. Try tying on a mahogany, parachute adam, baetis, or an October caddis. For nymphs, Copper Bobs, batman, or a Bird of Prey.

In The News:

-G4 Boa boots are 20% off!

-Streamers on sale! 30% off.

-We’re still booking trips! Call us or stop in with questions

 

Missoula Fishing Report
Bitterroot River

Missoula Fishing Report 9/11

by missoulaflyfishingoutfitters

Missoula Fishing Report 

September 11th

Hoot Owl Restrictions are lifted on all three rivers. You are free to fish wherever your wild heart desires! This weekend’s weather forecast is ranging from high 70s to mid 80s. It is surely a great time to get out on the weather and get into some fall fishing while you bask in what’s left of our sunshine. Again, you don’t need to be getting on the water around sunrise these days. Patience is a virtue– wait until nine or ten to wet a line, as the water is much cooler than weeks previous. There will a barbecue at the shop tonight (Friday) at 7 pm! We will be enjoying good food, great company, and celebrating the kick off of fall fishing. Come bring your best jokes, your dog, and your A-game for a round of washers. Someone needs to knock Russell off of his high horse after all these years.

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Last night’s sunset was pretty surreal

Blackfoot River: Try throwing your favorite mayfly pattern in the morn’. Look for bigger fish foraging in the tail-out runs. Size 16-20 c0mparaduns, or olives. Mahoganies have been a great fly- try size 16. Alternative options would be a purple haze, or a royal wulff. Terrestrial game is alive and well… Beetles, ants, and hoppers all afternoon. Try throwing some big junky streamers; both dark and bright ones should find their way in your fly box today.

Clark Fork River: Tricos are out, depending on the day, some more than others. They seem to like the sun. This will probably be a great weekend for them. Mayfly patterns work great on overcast days. The fish will be in the skinny inside seams. Hopper-dropper rigs are an option in heavier water. Hi vis spinners, size 16-20 olives, as well as cripples/spun dun. Size 14-16 mahoganies and red rocky mtn mint flies. Size 6-10 hoppers have been killing it throughout the afternoon! We like peach and purple!

Bitterroot River: Great am trico hatches… Followed by an early afternoon with your favorite mayfly pattern. There aren’t many hecuba but they are out and about and the fish are hungry for ’em. For hecuba, cripples, and parachutes, go with a 10-12. Mahoganies are 14-16, olives 16-20. Be sure to have plenty of hoppers.

Rock Creek: The morning seems to produce mainly risers. Size 12-16 mayflies, 10-12 hecuba and royal wulff. Hoppers, ants beetles during the afternoon.Throw them near some wood, logs, etc. If you’re looking to nymph, copper johns, rubberlegs, and worms. The yellow streamers have been doing well on Rock Creek. The fish are after big flashy stuff.

In The News:  

-SHOP BARBECUE AT SEVEN TONIGHT! No better spot to spend a Friday night

-20% off all Simms outerwear clothing

-20% off Simms G4 Boa boots

Missoula Fishing Report
Bitterroot River

Missoula Fishing Report 9/9

by missoulaflyfishingoutfitters

Missoula Fishing Report

September 9th 

rainbow hope

Hope with a nice bow she hooked into

Fall fishing has arrived! In addition to this fabulous news, FWP has uplifted any and all restrictions on our beloved rivers! The North Fork, as well as all Blackfoot tributaries, are Hoot Owl-free. Although we are still in the midst of some transition with our summer and fall hatches, the fishing is absolutely killer and we finally got rid of the smoke. We have nothing but good news for the fishing community today. The brown trout are getting eager to spawn, meaning they are more aggressive than they have been in quite some time. Go find out for yourself! On a side not, the water is clearly cooling down drastically. There is no need to rush out on the water like we were during the dog days of summer. It isn’t until nine or ten that the water temps drop to a decent point- and that is when the magic happens. Streamer game is starting to get really hot, as well as the terrestrial game- on all of the rivers.

Blackfoot River: Good Mayfly fishing, especially on cloudy days. Look for big fish foraging in the tail-outs of the deep runs. Try some mayfly patterns in the morning to early afternoon. Size 16-20 comparaduns, olives. Size 16 mahoganies, purple haze, and royal wulff. As before, beetles, hoppers, and ants have been a great option. Chuck some big heavy streamers and you’ll have a chance at getting a hefty fish- be sure to bring both bright streamers and dark ones.

Clark Fork River: Tricos are still hatching! Mayfly patterns on overcast days. Look for fish on those skinny inside seams. The hopper-dropper rigs are good in heavy water. For tricos, try size 18-20 (don’t forget your readers folks), hi vis spinners, olives 16-20, as well as cripples/spun dun. Size 14-16 mahoganies and red rocky mtn mint flies. Again, 6-10 hoppers have still been doing really well throughout the afternoon. We like peach!

Bitterroot: Great am trico hatches… Mayfly stuff in the afternoon. There aren’t many hecuba but they are not and the fish are looking for them. For tricos, size 18-20. For hecuba, cripples, and parachutes, go with 10-12. Mahoganies 14-16, olives 16-20. The terrestrial game is alive and thriving! Parachute hoppers are a great option. Try dark streamers!

Rock Creek: The morning seems to produce mainly risers. Again, don’t waste too much time wetting your line before about 9 am. Try some bigger mayfly patterns… 12s and 14s. Mahoganies from 14-16, and size 10-12 hecuba and royal wulff. Terrestrials: hoppers, ants, beetles. On Rock Creek, look for some wood, logs, etc. to throw these bugs. The fish will be expecting them near those! As for nymphs, throw rubberlegs and worms. We are digging the yellow streamers on The Creek– but be sure to throw some sort of streamer, as the fish are chomping on some big flashy stuff.

In The News:

-Simms outerwear 20% off!

-G4 Boa boots 20% off!

-The MAngler

 

Missoula Fishing Report
Bitterroot River

Missoula Fishing Report 8/26

by missoulaflyfishingoutfitters

Missoula Fishing Report 

August 26th

With fall fishing right around the corner, we’re all getting pretty stoked to change things up. Regardless of the air quality, the fishing has been surprisingly steady. For those who aren’t clear on Hoot Owl Restrictions, they are uplifted on all three rivers. The only exception- the Blackfoot tributaries and the North Fork of the Blackfoot, which shut down from 2 pm to midnight. September fishing is going to be great this year, and guide trips are being booked like crazy. Stop in or call the shop if you’re looking to spend a day on the water this fall!

Summer smog

Summer smog on a Clark Fork evening. Different kind of beauty?

Blackfoot River: The fish aren’t being real picky with streamers. They’ll eat your sparkle minnows, some brighter colors, or darker streamers. If you’re fishing before 10 am, a hopper-dropper is a good way to go. After that, hoppers. Anything from size 8 to 12 should get you into a fish. As the Blackfoot is running low on water, fish will be searching for the deepest, coolest water.

Bitterroot River: The fish are more likely to eat a trico on the lower stretch of the Root. Hecubas are now a great option. Yellow sallies, purple haze, drakes, and baetis. Get your hands on some of those before taking on the Bitterroot. During the afternoon, you already kn0w… Terrestrial game till the cows come home.

Clark Fork: Despite confusion, the entire Clark Fork is open all day long. Again, some tricos and hecubas. Mayflies, attractor patterns, and lots of hoppers. Caddis hatch in the evening. The smoke has actually created a sort of cloud coverage. That is particularly good for fishing on the Clark Fork.

Rock Creek: Hopper-dropper rigs. Ants, beetles, and other terrestrials are rippin’ lips, especially when fished near some sort of wood, log jam, etc. The streamer game has been steady on Rock Creek. Sparkle minnows, and more colorful streamres. October caddis pupaes are starting to move to the shallows, and they’ll be getting ready to hatch here in the next few weeks. That goes for the Blackfoot and Clark Fork as well.

In The News:

-20% off ALL Simms outerwear clothing

-20% off Simms G4 Boa boots

-30% off all streamers (We have loads of ’em)

-We’ve restocked our hats and Mangler shirts!

-The MAngler

Missoula Fishing Report
Bitterroot River

Missoula Fishing Report 8/23

by missoulaflyfishingoutfitters

Missoula Fishing Report 

August 23rd

It’s Sunday Funday… Annnnd the Upper Clark Fork is now free of Hoot Owl Restrictions. Apart from the tributaries on the Blackfoot, you may fish wherever, whenever. The water is cool, and the bigger fish are surely ready to munch on your flies. Whatever you do, don’t forget your box of terrestrials… Regardless of where you’re going.

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Early morning– en route to the Madison River.

Blackfoot River: Throw some dries in the morning. Purple haze, parachute adams, mayflies. Once it starts warming up more, turn to hoppers, ants, and beetles. Drift them through the spots with logs, dams, etc. The Blackfoot is still super low, so the fish are all piling up to “chill out”. If you see one eat, it is probably not alone. Caddis hatch in the evening. Try some dark streamers throughout the day.

Bitterroot River: Tricos, tricos, and more tricos. It has been tough to know exactly when they hatch, but they have been digging the sun. There could still be some yellow sallies around as well, along with baetis. Later on, try a hopper-dropper, some attractor patterns, and any sort of terrestrials. Ants, beetles, and hoppers are all great options. As usual, the caddis will be hatching in the evening. Elk hair will do you well.

Clark Fork River: Often times, the Clark Fork is the best option with cloud coverage. The smoke has been creating an odd smog that is having similar effects. It could actually make for a great day on the Clark. As with the Bitterroot, the fish seem to be eating tricos early on. Mayfly patterns as well… You just kind of have to watch for those throughout the day. During the evening, you know the drill. Caddis till the cows come home.

Rock Creek: Purple haze, parachute adams, and terrestrials. Sparkle streamers, and bright streamers, drug through deeper and heavier water. That is what will get you a big one.

In The News: 

-20% off all Simms outerwear clothing (We have men’s and women’s… Surprise your honey!)

-20% off Simms G4 Boa boots

-Looking to book a trip in September!? They’re filling up! Call us or stop in to the shop…

-Hats and shirts are restocked!! Come get ’em! We have tons of colors are sizes…