Missoula Fishing Report

The weather around Missoula has made a turn that should bring the rivers down in a few days. However if we get a lot of rain over the next few days all bets are off.

*Disclaimer*– I can’t predict the weather or what the rivers will do.

So here is a fishing report for the next few days: Go to Harper’s,Beavertail, or Frenchtown pond. The chartreuse powerbait fished on 30 pound braid seems to be the ticket. Fish it deep (4 to 8 inches off the bottom) or under a great big red and white “indicator”. A dual rig of crawlers and corn (nibblets not creamed) is also producing, especially in the mornings. These fish are still adapting to their new environment, so treat ’em gently.

-The MAngler

Missoula Fishing Report 

Fishing Report for the last day in March. 

Did that brown eat a Skwala? Maybe…

The bugs are out. The fish are eating them. Skwalas, March Browns, Blue Wings. It’s good. Book a trip, or get out and explore on your own.

The fishing took a long time to get going yesterday, but when it did, it was worth the wait. Work hard and you will be rewarded.

Keepin’ it short today. Too busy in the shop to write a long report. Get out and see for yourself.

-The MAngler.

Missoula Fishing Report 3/24

I told you I would tell you when the Skwalas showed up. More importantly, the fish have ACTUALLY started to eat the bugs. They aren’t eating them with reckless abandon all day. You have to fish the window. The warmest part of the day, seems to have the best dry fly fishing right now. From 2-5pm will be your best opportunity for fish to eat the dry. They have been on the slow woody banks, The insides, Sitting on the seams, and the sneaky sexy little buckets. Not all of theses places at once, and not everyday, but they are there. You just have to figure out where. For that day. They may not be there the next. 

Bitterroot River Fishing Report: The upper river (The river above Hamilton) is fishing well. But it always fishes well. They are eating the dry, Probably for longer periods of time than they are lower in the river. The Middle River (Hamilton to Stevi) has a good amount of bugs moving around. Not just Skwalas. There are mayflies as well. Blue wing Olives, Ameletus, and March browns have all been reported. If you see fish rising, chances are they will eat whatever you have tied on. Just make sure the first drift is the right drift. The Lower River (Stevi to Missoula) normally takes a little longer than the rest of the river to get going in the spring. The mayflies have shown up down there, and the fish are eating them. 

Clark Fork Fishing Report:  The Clark Fork above Rock Creek had a considerable amount of mud in the water. The moisture that is coming down now is sure to put some more dirty water in the system. That being said, the Clark fork is fishing well, some of the time. The bugs have been spotty but when they are there it can be worth the trip. 

Blackfoot Fishing Report: Bunyon Bugs

Rock Creek Fishing Report: Upper Rock Creek has had some great fishing the last few days. The mayflies are out and the fish are eating on top.  Look for the softer pockets if you are throwing the dry. If you want to nymph, the 5-7 foot deep medium slow inside water is where you should be spending your time. 

-MAngler

Missoula Fishing Report 

The weather has again reminded us that spring in Montana can turn back to winter whenever it wants. With night time low’s in the teens over the next few days, the water temps on our local rivers will stay on the colder side of what we want to see for good bug activity. This change in the weather pattern might slow down the spring fishing over the next few days. However, it’s a good thing for our rivers in the long run. Everyday that is cold and nasty now is another day of water for our rivers during the summer. As of right now our snow pack data reports are looking right around normal. That is good news. Lets just hope that the active weather cycle continues through the spring and early summer and we will have a great year of fishing in Missoula.  

The Missoula Area Rivers Fishing Report: I will say it again. It’s starting. Just getting going. Almost here. By no means, is it “ON”. Yes, you will see a skwala if you look hard enough. You will probably catch fish on a dry. But to be honest, because that’s what we do here, “The Hatch” is still coming. So if you haven’t been out yet, don’t panic. You haven’t missed your chance. The dry fly opportunities will only get better. A look back through all of our spring photos proves this. When looking at the dates of some of our best skwala days, they averaged between March 25th and April 21st. So the best is yet to come.  We are eternal optimists here at The Missoulian Angler. 

All that being said, things this time of year can change overnight. You might get a handful of dry fly eats one day, and the fish won’t leave it alone the next. And that change is close, it could be any day now. And when that happens, I promise we will tell you. 

For now, rig up a nymph rig and a streamer rig when you get to the river. Fish that until the warmest part of the day. Then, if you want to push the dry fly, switch it up. The peak dry fly times will be between 1:30-4 pm. Look for fish eating and bugs moving. Don’t make them work hard for it. So put it right over them. If its right in their wheel house they will eat it. You know it’s going when the fish start to move for your dry bug. 

Stop by the Missoulian Angler Fly Shop for the reelest Missoula Fishing Report and the LARGEST FLY SELECTION in town. We are here for you!

-The MAngler