MISSOULA FISHING REPORT

JULY 12th

Our beloved Blackfoot River on Thursday afternoon

Our rain dances must be making a difference, because we’re getting some strange moisture falling from the sky. If you are reading this report, please take a moment of silence, or just keep doing your jig. The Blackfoot actually dropped down to 61 degrees during the night, making for some content fish. We have some rain in the forecast, and the temps should finally be dropping as well. Don’t let the weather keep you inside… The fishing could be pretty swell. Shaded banks and heavier water could be key to getting into some big fish right now. Don’t hesitate to fish the deep runs in the middle of the river. Hoot Owl Restrictions are still in full force, get off the river by two pm!

Blackfoot River- spruce moths, goldens, PMDs, hoppers, San Juan worms, prince, stimis, caddis in the evening

Bitterroot River- Yellow sallies, PMDs, hoppers, mayflies, lightning bugs, rusty spinners

Clark Fork River- PMDs, hoppers, prince, chubby style attractor patterns, yellow sallies, San Juan worms, caddis in the evening

Rock Creek- big attractors, goldens, spruce moths, parachute adams, hoppers, evening caddis, nymphs and streamers in the heavy runs. (Do NOT overlook the heavier water!)

Stop into the shop if you have any other questions on what’s working!

Also, follow us on Instagram @ missouliananglerflyshop

-The MAngler

Missoula Fishing Report

JULY 9th

Not much has changed in the past few days. If you’re looking to get into some trout, you need to get out as early as possible and be ready to combat some heat early in the day. The water temps are still higher than we’d like, but they seem to be dropping once the sun goes down (yeehaw!) 60 degree water has the fish jumping for joy… literally.

Don’t forget about Hoot Owl restrictions that have been instituted by FWP in order to protect our wildlife. Get on the river early, and make sure to be reeling up by 2 pm. This leaves plenty of opportunity to catch some fish, as the fishing seems to turn off midday anyway. Keep in mind that the river temperatures are still quite high before 2 o clock, and the water is not as oxygenated as we’d desire. Respect our wildlife!

Bitterroot and Clark Fork River- Caddis, yellow sally, PMDs, rusty spinners, hoppers and chubby style attractors, pheasant tails, golden stones

Blackfoot River- Chubby style attractors, rubber legs, hoppers, stimulators, purple haze, elk hair caddis, parachute adams

Rock Creek- elk hair caddis, sallies, PMDs, caddis, hoppers, chubby style attractor patterns, royal wulffs

Stop in if you have any questions, or if you just need some good company!

-The MAngler

Missoula Fishing Report

July 1 st

Water temperatures are rising, but so are the fish… If you hit it at the right time. Being the first or last boat on the water is key during these hot summer days. Despite these hot temps, the bugs continue to hatch and the fish are still looking up for those tasty dry flies. If you don’t get on the river until later in the day, throw on a nymph rig if you’re prospecting for more fish. For all you “Dry or Die” fisherman, don’t hesitate to throw a hopper if you’re struggling to move fish in the afternoon. Again, keep in mind that this warm water is extremely hard on fish and that you should use heavier tippet and fight the trout fast.

Blackfoot River- Golden stones, green drakes, stimulators, adams, rubber legs, San Juan worms

Bitterroot River- PMDs, caddis, yellow sallies, golden stones, spinners, drakes, yellow sallies, scuds

Clark Fork- PMDs, golden stones, drakes, PMDs, rubber legs, pheasant tails, chernobyls, caddis pupae, caddis (especially small ones in the evening!)

Rock Creek- Purple Haze, golden stones, BWOs, PMDs, chubby chernobyls, caddis, San Juan worm, caddis pupae

Shop BBQ Friday 7ish! Come on by!

-The MAngler 

#Missoulianangler

Missoula Fishing Report

 Beat The Heat

Get out early if you want to throw a dry fly. The deep fast nymph runs are still giving up fish during the middle of the day. Lots of white fish when you play that game. The fish have been rather picky this week in some spots, as they are fighting the heat just as the rest of us. There are loads of Golden Stones hatching in and around Missoula, and the fish seem to really be digging PMDs and Yellow Sallies. Green Drakes have also been a hit over the past week or two. As for evening fishing, the Caddis are taking over.

Water levels are dropping, temperatures are rising. Please be conscientious of the fish and their health while you’re out on the water. Play fish fast, use heavy tippet, and get out early or late.

The Bitterroot River: Plenty of Golden Stones still swarming around, stick to a smaller pattern with a low wing. PMDs in the morning, Caddis in the evening.

The Blackfoot River: Bigger Goldens, attractor patterns, as well as Yellow Sallies. If you’re looking to get into some bigger fish, try to get on the water early. Streamers can still be effective in the mornings and in the evenings.

The Clark Fork River: Upper Clark Fork is getting weedy and low. Mid and Lower are still producing fish on PMDs and Goldens, but the Clark really shines during the evening Caddis hatch (last two hours of light).

Rock Creek: Very wadable right now, which attracts the summer crowds. Though the creek is still producing the most consistent dry fly fishing route. (Goldens, PMDs, Caddis)

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