Missoula Fishing Report 

August 7th

According to the weekend forecast, we are sitting in the mid 80’s. It is supposed to be cloudy, so the fish could be going bonkers in the overcast weather. As always… The earlier the better. Be the first to wet a line and you will likely get into some nicer fish. Generally, the Clark Fork is your best option on a cloudy day. Don’t forget that all Blackfoot tributaries are now under Hoot Owl Restrictions, including the North Fork of the Blackfoot. Try to keep fishing the deeper runs– you’d be surprised by the fish that are hanging out in there. 

Big Ron wettin’ a line on his secret hole. 

Blackfoot River: The water is getting lower. The spruce moths are still working earlier in the morning, but are definitely slowing down. Hoppers have been the way to go right now. Elk hair caddis, PMDs, purple haze, parachute adams, small droppers, dark streamers.

Bitteroot River: It would be wise to stick to the upper stretches. The lower parts have been rather unpredictable, though an overcast day could be on fire over there. Tricos are hatching like crazy right now- Otherwise, there are a few PMDs left, some yellow sallies, and small beadheads underneath.

Clark Fork River: Tricos, hoppers, and terrestrial game. Any hopper in your box will get eaten right now.

Rock Creek: As it is one of the few options to fish free of regulations… Rock Creek is a go-to. There are a few spruce moths left- elk hair caddis, nocturnal goldens, hoppers, and sparkle minnows.

Stop into the shop for questions on what is working, what’s not… Or just to BS with us

IN THE NEWS: 

-All Simms sportswear clothing is 20% off! (We have lots to choose from)

-30% off ALL streamers… (We have lots)

-20% off our Simms G4 Boa boots!

-Our Missoulian Angler shirts have all been restocked. All colors and sizes

-It’s not too late to book a trip! 

-The MAngler

Missoula Fishing Report

August 3th

The fishing has been good. The weather has been a little funky, but it is well worth going out there. The tricos are hatching around 10 am each day, and they are going absolutely wild on the Bitterroot and the Clark Fork. Grab a handful of ’em and go see for yourself. As of July 30th, all tributaries on the Blackfoot are under Hoot Owl Restrictions. This includes the North Fork of the Blackfoot. This is largely to protect our beloved Bull Trout. Regardless of where you are on the Blackfoot, you must be reeled up by 2 pm. 

The Blackfoot River: The spruce moths have been going off during the mornings until about 10 am, and from then on it is mainly hopper game. Spruce moths, hoppers, small droppers, dark steamers

Clark Fork River: If you hit the river at the right time of day, it looks like it’s snowing. That, my friend, is no more than a swarm of tricos. Hoppers are doing really well, regardless of the color, size, or anything else. Terrestrials are worthwhile as well.

Bitterroot River: Few PMD’s left, sallies, small bead heads underneath. Hopper game is a go-to.

Rock Creek: Moths, nocturnal goldens, caddis, hoppers (go smaller rather than bigger), sparkle minnows, attractor patterns. Look in the deep runs for bigger fish.

In the news!

-ALL Simms clothing is 20% off!

-Simms G4 Boa boots are also 20% off…

-30% off all streamers! Come in a stock up!

Missoula Fishing Report

July 31st

The hot weather has returned for the weekend. The normal temps will return early next week. This fishing around the Missoula are has been great. The water levels has been steady enough, and with a little help from the rain they have even bumped. The water temps have also been great. The cooler nights have been dropping the water back to a temperature the trout are happy with. This little heat wave will be short lived and we will be back to normal in no time.

The Clark Fork: HOPPER TIME. Big or little. Tan or Pink. Blue or Red. You pick your favorite and roll it. It’s the time of year that you have to stick to your guns if you want to catch ’em on the dry. Don’t lose faith if you go 20 minutes without an eat. The big fish are willing you just have to stick with it. Patience young Jedi.

The Bitterroot: There are a few PMD’s still showing up. Not a major factor right now. Hoppers are on the main stage right now. Again, have faith. Big fish take work.

Blackfoot: The Moths are still around. The fish are still eating them, but it’s not like it was. The hoppers are kicking around the banks, and the fish are looking for them in the right spots. The streamer bite has been fair to good early in the morning.

Rock Creek: The Spruce Moths are also still kicking around and the Creek fish are eating them. Smaller hoppers are getting fish to look up, and your general attractors are always a great option.

All streamers are 30% off here in the shop. Stop by and stock up with your favorite buggers.

-The MAngler

Missoula Fishing Report

July 28

The rivers have slightly bumped, while the water temperatures have dropped. Today is supposed to be overcast again, though not as cool as yesterday. By Friday, it should be heating back up to the mid 90’s. Beat the heat and set your alarm for sunrise- fill your fly boxes with some tricos, a couple of PMDs, and some hoppers. Get out early and throw a dry fly. Get into some fast deep water and work your magic. If you’re headed to the Blackfoot, don’t forget your streamers. With the clouds, it would be in your favor to get on the Bitterroot or the Lower Clark Fork. Happy fishing!

                 Nice Bow caught on the Lower Clark Fork!

Blackfoot River: Tricos, rubber legs, big attractor patterns, hoppers, PMDs, elk hair caddis, stimulators, spruce moths (if there is visible sun)

Bitterroot River: PMDs, PEDs, caddis, yellow sallies, hoppers, rubber legs

Clark Fork River: Hoppers, PMDs, attractor patterns, San Juan worms, tricos, mayflies, yellow sallies, terrestrials, spruce moths (if there is visible sun)

Rock Creek: Streamers in the slower water, royal wulffs, elk hair caddis, purple haze, rubber legs, tricos, parachute adams, spruce moths (if there is visible sun)

IN THE NEWS:

Stop in and get 30% of ALL streamers! 

MAngler hats are all restocked

Feel free to stop in or call the shop to see what’s working, what’s new, etc.

-The MAngler

Missoula Fishing Report

July 26th

It’s a great weekend to wet a line, and it’s only supposed to get better.

According to the forecast, we have some cooool temps coming our way. Monday has a high of 62 degrees, and there is a great chance of rain. As for the rest of the weekend, the fishing could be killer with this overcast haze that we are reported to see this weekend. Just like always, the early bird gets the worm. Although spruce moths have been a great option lately, they don’t thrive in this weather. If the sun is not shining, the moths are not flying. The tricos are starting to hatch- throw one of those instead. For the Blackfoot, streamers… Sparkly streamers in the heavy water.

Blackfoot River: Tricos, rubber legs, big attractor patterns, hoppers, PMDs, elk hair caddis, stimulators

Bitterroot River: PMDs, PEDs, caddis, yellow sallies, hoppers, rubber legs

Clark Fork River: Hoppers, PMDs, attractor patterns, San Juan worms, tricos, mayflies, yellow sallies, terrestrials

Rock Creek: Streamers in the slower water, royal wulffs, elk hair caddis, purple haze, rubber legs, parachute adams

IN THE NEWS:

-ALL streamers are 30% off! Stop in and stock up!!

-MAngler hats are all restocked

-Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates @missouliananglerflyshop

-The MAngler 

Missoula Fishing Report

July 22nd

The fishing in and around Missoula has been good. The fish are catching a break on water temperatures and it is making all the difference. Regardless of that, the Hoot Owl Restrictions are still upon us. The Bitterroot is heating back up again, so keep that in mind while fighting fish. The Clark Fork, Bitterroot, and Blackfoot are all shut down from 2pm to midnight each day. Rock Creek is a great option for those of you who can’t get out early in the day, and the spruce moths are going wild there. Georgetown Lake has been fishing really well. Keep exploring those alpine lakes and smaller bodies of water that we are so lucky to be surrounded by. There are countless hidden gems around Missoula that are worth taking advantage of. It doesn’t look like there will be any rain in the next few days, though it is supposed to cool down mid week.

According to old weather lores, pink clouds in the west mean that rain is coming. We’ve been having some prettttty killer sunrises lately. Go see for yourself!

The Bitterroot: PMDs, hoppers, caddis, PEDS, yellow sallies

The Blackfoot: Spruce moths, MAngler moths, hoppers (small, 10/12), tan and purple hoppers, pink and yellow terrestrials, stimulators, attractor patterns, elk hair caddis

Clark Fork:  PMDs, spruce moths, hoppers, elk hair caddis, mayflies, yellow sallies

Rock Creek: Spruce moths, MAngler moths, hoppers, elk hair caddis, purple haze, parachute adams

30% off all streamers