Missoula Fly Fishing Report 5/27

by MAngler

Bitterroot River

The Bitterroot has bumped back up in flows after a few heavy rain showers. Fishing on a bump like this is usually not the best option but keep a close eye on it if the flows level out for a few days as it started to fish well last week before the bump.

Blackfoot River

The Blackfoot produced some good fishing this last week as the water dropped and cleared up enough to be a viable option. Unfortunately heavy rain has bumped the flows up. We’ll keep you posted as flows change and start to shape back up in the coming weeks.

Clark Fork River

The Clark Fork along with most of the streams has been affected by heavy rain and making this one of your last options around Missoula. If you to decide to hit the Clark Fork then focus on where tributaries dump in creating clear seems.

Rock Creek

Rock Creek is one of your best options right now along with the other tributaries that just opened up for the general fishing season. We are starting to see a few Stoneflies kicking around up here on sunny days but will need a few warmer days to get any good hatches popping. Nymphing soft water is hard to beat up there right now but dry or dry dropper rigs will pick up some fish too. Streamer fishing can be hot and heavy with these conditions and is not something to forget about.

It’s a great time of year to head over the hill and hit the Missouri. We’ve stepped up our Missouri fly selection this year. Stop in and load up before you go.

Missoula Fly Fishing Report 5/15

by MAngler

Bitterroot River

Big and muddy. Focus on where tributaries come in and create a clear seem downstream.

 

Blackfoot River

Big and muddy. Focus on where tributaries come in and create a clear seem downstream.

 

Clark Fork River

Big and muddy. Focus on where tributaries come in and create a clear seem downstream.

 

Rock Creek

Rock Creek is one of your best options right now along with the other tributaries that open up this coming Saturday. Focus on any soft water you can find. Streamers and nymphs are your best tactic right now.

Runoff is here which means it’s time to drive over the hill and hit the Missouri.

We have added many new fly patterns to our bins for the Missouri this year.

Come check em out and let us know what you think!

Fishing Report 5/3

by MAngler

Bitterroot River

The Bitterroot has dropped and clarity is looking good. Fishing is improving every day and looks like it will continue to fish with the current forecast. For dries the March Brown in the clouds has been our go to and a single Skwala in the sun. With the water temperature rising to mid 40’s to 50, the streamer fishing can be as good as it gets. Get out while you still can as we typically don’t get windows like this in may and the fishing can be really good.

 

Blackfoot River

The Blackfoot is coming back down and starting to turn dark green. While not off the hook by any means and not a numbers game, the Blackfoot River can produce some hogs this time of year. Streamer fishing is our preferred method this time of year, but nymphing inside seams will usually be a more effective strategy if you are after numbers.

 

Clark Fork River

The Clark Fork is still a bit off color but there is about a foot and a half to two feet of visibility which is more then enough clarity to get it done. We fished the Clark Fork above town yesterday and it fished better then expected. Lots of March Browns and a few Skwalas kept us busy fishing dry flies throughout the day and the streamer fishing was good too.

 

Rock Creek

Like many other streams right now, Rock Creek is recovering from a big bump in flows which turned things off for a few days. Rock Creek has also enjoyed a break from the rain and a dropping flows the last few days and is back to a solid option. We have had a few of our guys floating and is not a bad option at these flows. While it is a bit high for preferred wade fishing flows, it still isn’t a bad option at all for wading either. The Skwala and March Brown dry has been our tactic up here and when the dry fly fishing is slow, we throw on a streamer. Look for slower holding water and deep nymph rigs for numbers.

May is here and that means it’s almost time to drive over the hill and hit the Missouri.

We have stepped up our fly game for the Mo this year.

Come check em out and let us know what you think!

FISHING REPORT 5/1

by MAngler

Bitterroot River

It appears that the Bitterroot will give us another window of opportunity before big water hits. After a few cold nights, the river has dropped and clarity is looking good. The forecast calls for dry and cooler temps so that should hold off runoff for a bit. For dries the March Brown in the clouds has been our go to and a single Skwala in the sun. With the water temperature rising to mid 40’s to 50, the streamer fishing can be as good as it gets.

 

Blackfoot River

The Blackfoot is coming back down and starting to turn dark green. While not off the hook by any means and not a numbers game, the Blackfoot River can produce some hogs this time of year. Streamer fishing is our preferred method this time of year, but nymphing inside seams will usually be a more effective strategy if you are after numbers.

 

Clark Fork River

Not the best option right now but if you have your mind set on the Clark Fork then focus on inside seams fishing deep nymphs and streamers. Taking advantage of clear runs behind tributaries is always a good option with off color conditions on the big river.

 

Rock Creek

Like many other streams right now, Rock Creek is recovering from a big bump in flows which turned things off for a few days. Rock Creek has also enjoyed a break from the rain and a dropping flows the last few days and is back to a solid option. We have had a few of our guys floating and is not a bad option at these flows. While it is a bit high for preferred wade fishing flows, it still isn’t a bad option at all for wading either. The Skwala and March Brown dry has been our tactic up here and when the dry fly fishing is slow, we throw on a streamer. Look for slower holding water and deep nymph rigs for numbers.

May is here and that means it’s almost time to drive over the hill and hit the Missouri.

We have stepped up our fly game for the Mo this year.

Come check em out and let us know what you think!

Fishing Report 4/27

by Taylor Scott

Missoula rivers are high and continuing to rise. Not the end of river fishing, but it does get a lot tougher. Fishing inside seams and any holding water you can find is what you want to focus on. Not ideal conditions, but you can definitely catch fish in dirty water on nymphs and streamers. Be careful if you choose to get out on the rivers.

While river fishing is do-able, it may be time to look outside the box. There are many options to fish during runoff that can be a lot of fun. Stop in the shop and we would be more then happy to point you in the right direction. Check out an alpine lake, or start chasing some different species.  Bass and pike are available in lakes, ponds and rivers, and we can help you find willing fish.

And  if you’re resting your casting arm this time of year, come check out our EXPANDED FLY SELECTION.  We have over 2000 bins filled to the brim with old favorites and brand new killers. If you’re a tyer, use the month of May to stock up for the summer. Our materials selection is newly EXPANDED and FULLY STOCKED.

This is no one’s favorite time of year for fishing. So keep in touch. We’re working on some fun ideas that may make the time go by a little faster during this slow fishing time.

 

Missoula Fishing Report
Bitterroot River

Missoula Fishing Report

by missoulaflyfishingoutfitters

Missoula Fishing Report

The water around Missoula is big right now. The Graphs are showing a downward trend. What does that mean? Your guess is as good as mine. Hopefully it means that we can fish in the next few days. More rain and heat is not exactly the right recipe for Missoula fishing. 

 

For now get out and explore some local lakes or make a road trip over to the Missouri. Lots of bugs over there. Good dry fly fishing when the clouds are out and the fish decide to eat. 

 

Now is a great time to tie flies. If you are anything like us you procrastinated your winter tying and there are still a few empty slots in your fly boxes. High water is a good time to strengthen the fly force. Tie now. DO IT.

 

-The MAngler