Missoula Fly Fishing Report

Missoula Fly Fishing Report 4/8

Fly Fishing Report Brought To You By Our Missoula Fly Fishing Guides And Fly Shop Staff.

Enjoy and Good Luck!

Our Missoula fly shop is still open for call in or email orders. Give us a call and we will get your order ready to go ASAP. Click here for a menu that highlights the current hot flies that we have in stock.

The Governor is encouraging outdoor recreation at this point in time. Fly fishing is a great way to get away from the crowds and enjoy the fresh Montana air.

Bitterroot River

The Bitterroot river fly fishing has been great the last few days and we don’t often use that phrase in our fishing report. Tons of bugs including Skwala’s, Nemoura’s, March Browns and BWO’s are hatching. The next few days are calling for highs in the upper 60’s which will bump the flows up a bit. Luckily we don’t have a lot of lower elevation snow at this point so we shouldn’t see the type of bump that completely shuts the dry fly fishing down. Either way a bump is coming though but it shouldn’t scare you away from fishing. This is Missoula spring fly fishing at its best with the sun brings Skwala’s which is what most of us love about spring. Get out and enjoy the fishing this week and don’t forget your Skwala’s and sunscreen. Some of our go to Skwala patterns are Rogue Skwala, Plan B, True Skwala and Rastaman. Be prepared with some March Brown and BWO patterns if the clouds roll in. For nymphs try G-Kes Two-Bit Stones, HS Pheasant Tail, Hot Spot PT, Pats and 20 Inchers. Check out our online menu of hot flies for the spring here. Give us a call or email your order and we will get them ready for you.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Blackfoot River

The Blackfoot River fly fishing is picking up and streamer fishing has been good. We got out on the Blackfoot yesterday and pulled out some very nice fish on streamers. Still mostly in their winter lies sitting in slower water but the fish were chasing the streamers longer distances then we’ve seen so far this spring. Maybe not the best Missoula fly fishing choices but if you’re a streamer angler, then this is pretty hard to beat with the size of fish that are moving on the streamers lately. Light colored streamers have been the ticket for us up here this spring.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Clark Fork River

The Clark Fork River fly fishing has improved a lot in the last few days with the warmer days and should continue throughout the week. Expect a bump in flows but that shouldn’t mean that you should stay home. The March Brown hatches in the clouds has been great and we are starting to see a lot of Skwala’s in the sun. We had a fantastic day fishing streamers in the morning and dries in the afternoon with action all day long. For dries, the Rogue and Plan-B has been our top producers in the sun and March Brown patterns like Parachute Hare’s ear and Parachute Pheasant Tail in the clouds have been our go to. Keep an eye out for pods of fish eating the BWO’s in the clouds too. The streamer fishing has also produced some great mornings before the dry fly fishing kicks in.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Rock Creek

Rock Creek fly fishing picked up the last few days with the warm weather and the Skwala’s started to show themselves and fish started taking notice. We have had a lot of reports the last few days with good dry fly fishing in the afternoon and streamer and nymphs in the morning. Like the rest of the rivers around Missoula, excpect a bump in flows but get out and enjoy the sun and some great Montana spring fly fishing at its best. For dries, try Skwala adult patterns like the Rogue, Morningwood and Rastaman. For nymphs focus on stonefly patterns like Pats, DB Stone and 20 inchers with droppers like PT Hot Spot BL, Hare’s Ear RL and Two Bit Hookers. Brighter streamers like the Kreelex and Sparkle Minnow have been producing some good fish. Good reports are coming in from the top to bottom of Rock Creek.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Spring Hatches

Click any photo below to find out more information on each individual hatch. Includes life cycle, best fly patterns, helpful tips and where to find these hatches in your Western Montana fly fishing adventure.

Fish Species

Missoula Fly Fishing Report

Missoula Fly Fishing Report 4/5

Fly Fishing Report Brought To You By Our Missoula Fly Fishing Guides And Fly Shop Staff.

Enjoy and Good Luck!

Our Missoula fly shop is still open for call in or email orders. Give us a call and we will get your order ready to go ASAP. Click here for a menu that highlights the current hot flies that we have in stock.

The Governor is encouraging outdoor recreation at this point in time. Fly fishing is a great way to get away from the crowds and enjoy the fresh Montana air.

Bitterroot River

The Bitterroot river fly fishing slowed down a little during the brief cold snap we saw the last few days but the sun is back out and so are the big bugs. Lots of Blue Winged Olives and a few March Browns out in the clouds, and Skwala and Nemoura adults in the sun. The future forecast is looking great for Skwala dry fly fishing. This coming week should be great fishing. Some of our go to Skwala patterns are Rogue Skwala, Plan B, True Skwala and Rastaman. Be prepared with some March Brown and BWO patterns if the clouds roll in. For nymphs try G-Kes Two-Bit Stones, HS Pheasant Tail, Hot Spot PT, Pats and 20 Inchers. Check out our online menu of hot flies for the spring here. Give us a call or email your order and we will get them ready for you.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Blackfoot River

The Blackfoot River fly fishing is still a few degrees from being good streamer fishing but the nymph continues to produce in the slow water and inside seems. With the warm weather in the forecast, the fishing on the Blackfoot river will continue to get better and better. One of the least popular spring fisheries in the Missoula area but for those who like quality over quantity and a stretch of river to their own then this is a good option.
Light colored streamers have been the ticket for us up here this spring.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Clark Fork River

The Clark Fork River fly fishing slowed down a bit the last few days during the cold front but the warmer afternoons have still produced some decent dry fly fishing. The forecast calls for warmer weather ahead which should activate more Skwala’s to hatch and the fishing should be good throughout the week. Focus on dry flies in the afternoon and streamer and nymph fishing in the morning. For dries, the Rogue and Plan-B has been our top producers in the sun and March Brown patterns like Parachute Hare’s ear and Parachute Pheasant Tail in the clouds have been our go to. Keep an eye out for pods of fish eating the BWO’s in the clouds too. Streamer fishing has also picked up and should continue with the warmer temps coming.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Rock Creek

Rock Creek fly fishing has been consistent throughout the spring and with the warmer forecast, we should start seeing more Skwala adults. The dry fly fishing has been decent but nymphs and streamers have been producing numbers. With so many Stonefly nymphs moving around, focus on bigger stonefly imitations like Pats, Double Bead Stones and 20 inchers. Brighter streamers like the Kreelex and Sparkle Minnow have been producing some good fish. Good reports are coming in from the top to bottom of Rock Creek.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Spring Hatches

Click any photo below to find out more information on each individual hatch. Includes life cycle, best fly patterns, helpful tips and where to find these hatches in your Western Montana fly fishing adventure.

Fish Species

Missoula Fly Fishing Report

Missoula Fly Fishing Report 4/3

Fly Fishing Report Brought To You By Our Missoula Fly Fishing Guides And Fly Shop Staff.

Enjoy and Good Luck!

Our Missoula fly shop is still open for call in or email orders. Give us a call and we will get your order ready to go ASAP. Click here for a menu that highlights the current hot flies that we have in stock.

The Governor is encouraging outdoor recreation at this point in time. Fly fishing is a great way to get away from the crowds and enjoy the fresh Montana air.

Bitterroot River

The Bitterroot river fly fishing has been a little slower then it was due to the cold night and day temperatures we’ve been seeing the last few days. Still one of your best Missoula fly fishing options but focus on nymphs and streamers for the next few days. Warmer weather is in the forecast which should make the Bitterroot river bounce back with some great dry fly fishing. Before the cold weather came, we were seeing a handful of Skwalas, good BWO hatches and a few March Browns kicking around. Stonefly nymphs in slow walking speed water and inside seems will be your most productive tactic. Darker colored streamers have also been pulling out some big dogs.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Blackfoot River

The Blackfoot River fly fishing started to pick up a bit but with the cold nights the last few days, the fishing will be much tougher on the Blackfoot. As always the Blackfoot river takes time to warm up in the spring and warmer weather is ahead of us. May want to give this the rest of the weekend to warm up and see what the temps do. Focus on streamer fishing for big fish and nymphs for numbers. Like the rest of the fly fishing in Missoula, focus on inside seeems and slow runs. Light colored streamers have been the ticket for us up here this spring.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Clark Fork River

The Clark Fork River fly fishing with the dry fly took a bit of hit from the cold temps but the nymph and streamer fishing continues to be good. Warmer weather in the forecast will bring out more Skwala’s, BWO’s and March Browns in the coming week. Missoula fly fishing will be a nymph and streamer game for all rivers until things warm up. Looks like the end of the weekend into next week will be warmer and better conditions for the dry fly angler.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Rock Creek

Rock Creek fly fishing is another stream effected by the cold temps. Streamers and nymphs are going to be your most productive tactic. Focus on slow water in the 2-6′ depth. With so many Stonefly nymphs moving around, focus on bigger stonefly imitations like Pats, Double Bead Stones and 20 inchers. Brighter streamers like the Kreelex and Sparkle Minnow have been producing some good fish. Good reports are coming in from the top to bottom of Rock Creek.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Spring Hatches

Click any photo below to find out more information on each individual hatch. Includes life cycle, best fly patterns, helpful tips and where to find these hatches in your Western Montana fly fishing adventure.

Fish Species

Missoula Fly Fishing Report

Missoula Fly Fishing Report 3/31

Fly Fishing Report Brought To You By Our Missoula Fly Fishing Guides And Fly Shop Staff.

Enjoy and Good Luck!

Our Missoula fly shop is still open for call in or email orders. Give us a call and we will get your order ready to go ASAP. Click here for a menu that highlights the current hot flies that we have in stock.

The Governor is encouraging outdoor recreation at this point in time. Fly fishing is a great way to get away from the crowds and enjoy the fresh Montana air.

Bitterroot River

The Bitterroot river fly fishing has been great the last few days. With the current status for our guides who are unable to work do to Montana restrictions, they have been enjoying days on the river on their own and with their familes. The reports we have been getting from these Missoula fly fishing guides has been superb to say the least. Rip the dropper off of the dry by 11am and fish single dries all day. We do have some cold temps in the near future which should put the dry fly fishing down a bit but should still produce later in the afternoon. For dries, Skwala patterns like Rastaman, Plan B, Water Walker, Bullethead and the True Stones have been our best producers. Midge, Capnia and Nemoura patterns are also getting it done in the afternoon. Nymphs like Pats Rubberlegs, 20 Incher, Double Bead Stones, G-Kes, Perdigons, H/T PT Jig, Pheasant Tail Jigs and Hot Spot PT Jigs have also been very effective.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Blackfoot River

The Blackfoot River fly fishing picked up with the warmer week and the streamer fishing was good. Still not a great option for Missoula fly fishing but for the streamer junkie or the person who wants to be on the river all alone then this is your spot. Focus on inside seems and slow water with streamers and deep nymph rigs. Lighter streamers have been the junk of choice but don’t hesitate going to darker colors if you’re not turning fish.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Clark Fork River

The Clark Fork River fly fishing picked up steam the last few days in the dry fly game. Still only a few Skwala’s out but the fish have been eating them in the afternoon. We have been seeing a pretty good BWO hatch too that has fish up in pods sipping. Streamers and nymphs are an all day affair and should be your main focus at least until the warm afternoons hit. Temps in the forecast are low and should put the dry fly fishing down a bit until the next warm up.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Rock Creek

Rock Creek fly fishing is a great choice and is starting to see some dry fly action. Cool temps ahead will make the dry fly fishing a bit tougher but the streamer and nymph game should stay consistent. Focus nymph and streamer rigs on slow walking speed water and inside bends. With so many Stonefly nymphs moving around, focus on bigger stonefly imitations like Pats, Double Bead Stones and 20 inchers. Brighter streamers like the Kreelex and Sparkle Minnow have been producing some good fish. Good reports are coming in from the top to bottom of Rock Creek.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Spring Hatches

Click any photo below to find out more information on each individual hatch. Includes life cycle, best fly patterns, helpful tips and where to find these hatches in your Western Montana fly fishing adventure.

Fish Species

Missoula Fly Fishing Report

Missoula Fishing Report 3/28

Fly Fishing Report Brought To You By Our Missoula Fly Fishing Guides And Fly Shop Staff.

Enjoy and Good Luck!

Our Missoula fly shop is still open for call in or email orders. Give us a call and we will get your order ready to go ASAP.

The Governor is encouraging outdoor recreation at this point in time. Fly fishing is a great way to get away from the crowds and enjoy the fresh Montana air.

Bitterroot River

The Bitterroot river fly fishing is starting to pick up in the last week with warmer night and daytime temperatures. We have been seeing more and more Skwala’s on the sunny days and a few March Browns and BWO’s in the clouds. The dry fly fishing doesn’t turn on until the afternoon but the nymph and streamer fishing remains good throughout the day. This is one of your best options for Missoula fly fishing at this point. Don’t expect the dry fly fishing to be off the hook by any means but its been pretty good out there. Still focus your drifts on that slow walking speed water and inside seems. For dries, Skwala patterns like Rastaman, Plan B, Water Walker, Bullethead and the True Stones have been our best producers. Midge, Capnia and Nemoura patterns are also getting it done in the afternoon. Nymphs like Pats Rubberlegs, 20 Incher, Double Bead Stones, G-Kes, Perdigons, H/T PT Jig, Pheasant Tail Jigs and Hot Spot PT Jigs have also been very effective.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Blackfoot River

The Blackfoot River fly fishing is still pretty slow but if you want a stretch all to yourself then this is your spot. Focus on streamers and nymphs in slow water and inside seems. We have been pulling some nice fish on nymphs and streamers up here. Not the best Missoula fly fishing option but there are definitely willing fish.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Clark Fork River

The Clark Fork River fly fishing is improving day by day and even a few fish eating on top. We are seeing a few Skwala’s here and there but nothing to write home about. If you’re a dry or die angler then focus your time on the afternoon as that is the time fish are most actively feeding on the surface. Like the rest of the fly fishing around Missoula, focus on slow inside seams and walking speed water. We have been seeing a few pods of fish in the afternoon eating midges and those fish haven’t been picky. They will eat bigger buts like Capnia’s, Nemoura’s and even a Skwala if presented properly. We had some good streamer fishing with darker colored streamers and of course nymphing the slow inside seems has been the most productive.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Rock Creek

Rock Creek fly fishing is still mainly a nymph and streamer game but we are starting to see a few Skwala’s hatching and fish here and there eating them. Focus your time on stripping streamers and nymphing slow runs for numbers. Flashy streamers like the Kreelex and Sparkle minnow have been the meat of choice. For dries, focus on Stonefly nymphs Like Pat’s and Double Bead Stones with smaller droppers off the back. Cycle through a variety of smaller droppers until you find the magic one for that day.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Spring Hatches

Click any photo below to find out more information on each individual hatch. Includes life cycle, best fly patterns, helpful tips and where to find these hatches in your Western Montana fly fishing adventure.

Fish Species

Missoula Fly Fishing Report

Missoula Fly Fishing Report 3/21

Fly Fishing Report Brought To You By Our Missoula Fly Fishing Guides And Fly Shop Staff.

Enjoy and Good Luck!

Our Missoula fly shop is still open under normal business hours. If you are worried about coming into the shop to gear up for fishing due to the Covid-19 then remember we are more then happy to ship you everything you need or pick up your order in the parking lot. Call ahead or email your order. Free Shipping to anywhere in Montana. We are cleaning surfaces in the shop often and have hand sanitizer available for everyone.

Fly fishing is a great way to get away from the crowds and enjoy the fresh Montana air

Bitterroot River

The Bitterroot river is warming up and we’re seeing more and more Skwala’s show up in the last few days. This fish are also taking notice and there has been some decent dry fly fishing in the afternoon with the big bugs. Nymphing and streamer fishing has been good most of the days and the dry fly fishing kicks into gear from about 1 or 2pm. With the warmer weekend ahead, the Skwala dries should just get better and better. We have talked to a few shuttle companies on the Bitterroot and they are still running shuttles and wiping down all surfaces inside the vehicle with disinfectant wipes when they drop your vehicle off. For dries, Skwala patterns like Rastaman, Plan B, Water Walker, Bullethead and the True Stones have been our best producers. Midge, Capnia and Nemoura patterns are also getting it done in the afternoon. Nymphs like Pats Rubberlegs, 20 Incher, Double Bead Stones, G-Kes, Perdigons, H/T PT Jig, Pheasant Tail Jigs and Hot Spot PT Jigs have also been very effective.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Blackfoot River

The Blackfoot River fly fishing is slowly but surely warming up. Not the best option for Missoula fly fishing but if you don’t mind nymphing and streamer fishing then the Blackfoot can produce some big fish in the spring. Not a numbers game but you could find yourself on the river all alone with some good fish on inside seems and slower runs. Light colored streamers like Tan, Gray and White will get the job done. Nymphing inside seems and slow water will produce numbers.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Clark Fork River

The Clark Fork River fly fishing is starting to kick into gear on the surface. We have seen a few more Skwala’s the last few days and should continue to see more and more with the warmer weather ahead. Not enough Skwala’s to get fish really going on them but they will still eat them here and there in the afternoon. We have been seeing a few pods of fish in the afternoon eating midges and those fish haven’t been picky. They will eat bigger buts like Capnia’s, Nemoura’s and even a Skwala if presented properly. We had some good streamer fishing with darker colored streamers and of course nymphing the slow inside seems has been the most productive.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Rock Creek

Rock Creek fly fishing is still mainly a nymph and streamer game but we have seen a few Skwala’s starting to pop. Not enough adults to get the fish excited but you may have a few come up to eat the big bug if you stay with it in the afternoon. Focus your time on nymph and streamer fishing. Flashy streamers like the Kreelex and Sparkle minnow have been the meat of choice. For dries, focus on Stonefly nymphs Like Pat’s and Double Bead Stones with smaller droppers off the back. Cycle through a variety of smaller droppers until you find the magic one for that day.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Spring Hatches

Click any photo below to find out more information on each individual hatch. Includes life cycle, best fly patterns, helpful tips and where to find these hatches in your Western Montana fly fishing adventure.

Fish Species