Missoula Fishing Report

Missoula Fishing Report 11/17

Missoula Fishing Report 

November 17th

Fishing takes a little more patience than some would like right now. We’re in the middle of the rough transition between fall fishing and winter fishing. Focus on pulling one nice fish out instead of looking to boat 25 of ’em. This is a great time to find some killer wade fishing spots that you don’t normally go to. It’s easy to sum up all of our rivers as a whole right now, as winter fishing can be a real guessing game with a little guidance. So, with that said, start fishing nymphs in the deep runs, dragging them slowly. Shoot for the inside seams. They’ll eat your San Juan, scud, or midge. The streamer fishing is still going strong! Apparently Rock Creek is fishing really well right now. The brown trout are just now in full force, moving up the tributaries to spawn, and they are aggressive as well. It’s tough to say if they are going to be eating big articulated stuff, or smaller buggers. Try both, giving them each a chunk towards the bank. They are still liking black streamers, yellow ones, and a good olive color. Don’t hesitate on a sparkle minnow either. Embrace the change of seasons, and be sure to pray for some snow so that we don’t have another drought of a summer next season. Happy fishing!Montana Fishing Guides

In The News: 

-20% OFF ALL SCIENTIFIC ANGLER LINE!!

-We have loads of great Christmas gifts here at the shop. Stop in for the holidays!

-It’s waay too cold to be wet wading… Stop in if you’re thinking about getting a pair of waders and boots for the season. 

-20% off Simms G4 Boa boots!

-Streamer sale. 30% off the whole selection… Stock up for winter!

 

Missoula Fishing Report

Missoula Fishing Report 10/29


Missoula Fishing Report

October 29th

Mid to high 40’s for the week… as well as some rain. Be prepared!

We’re gonna keep it short and sweet. Most of the rivers have similar stuff going on…

Missoula Fly Fishing Seasons

Blackfoot River: Throw black streamers in deep pools. Alternatives would be olives, whites, yellows. You will likely be nymphing- try cutting the legs off of an Orange Pat’s rubber leg and imitating the October caddis. You’ll be lucky to see much on top. If you are truly dry or die, try baetis, BWOs… Possibly October caddis or orange stimulator.

Clark Fork River:Cloudy days could be in your favor… Tie on a mayfly or BWO if they’re eating. The fish seem to be going after smaller streamers, as they’re getting used to the articulated stuff we have been showing them all year. Try a small kreelex or sparkle minnow. Otherwise, hopper-dropper. They have been mostly going after the dropper- Bird of prey, lightening bug, something decent sized and flashy. Copper Bob/John is also an option…

Bitterroot River: There have been a lot of mixed reports on the Bitterroot. Go see for yourself! Some days, the lower is completely dead, which seems to be more common. If you’re going to give the lower stretches a shot, there have still been some great mahogany hatches. Along with that, size 14 parachute adams have done the trick. As for the rest of the river, streamers have been doing well. Yellow, green, black. Same stuff as the other rivers. Try an orange Pat’s rubber leg after amputating the legs… Batman nymph, Goldie Hawn, Copper Bob/John.

Rock Creek: It’s on and off for sure. One day, streamers are killin’ it. The next, you may be stuck with a nymph rig for most of the day. If you see stuff rising, a blue wing pattern is your best bet. Orange stimis and mahoganies may get the job done too, but those bugs are really starting to disappear for the year.

In The News: 

-Taylor is just wrapping up some orders for new fly tying material… If there is something that we’ve been out of, stop in soon and see if it’s in!

-It’s that time of year… Fly tying classes are around the corner. Stop in or give us a call if you’re interested.

-If you’re starting to rack your brain for cheap Christmas presents… Keep us in mind!

 

 

Missoula Fishing Report

Missoula Fishing Report 10/27

Missoula Fishing Report

October 27th

The days are getting shorter and a little bit cloudier. The fishing has been tricky. All around, streamers have been doing well lately… be sure not to leave your box at home! Don’t forget that some of the tributaries and smaller water is home for lots of spawning browns. Try fishing the deeper riffles. Explore them instead of your usual spot.

fashing raport

Clark Fork sunset recently.

Blackfoot River: STREAMERS. They are going off on the Blackfoot. Dark articulated junk. They like sparkles. Throw a kreelex or a sparkle minnow of your choice. As for dries, October caddis are out here and there, orange stimis, BWOs, baetis, parachute adams, and mahoganies. For Nymphs, try cutting the legs off of an orange Pat’s rubber leg to imitate an October caddis. Copper Bob/John, red lightening bugs.

Clark Fork River: There have been some good cloudy days for mayfly fishing on the Clarky lately. Terrestrials are still working… If you are stuck in a slump, don’t hesitate to try a hopper with a rubber leg underneath it. They are generally going for the dropper these day. Try a nymph with something flashy on the bottom, stonefly-attractor patterns. As for the deeper pools, green, black, yellow, and white streamers are your best bet.

Bitterroot River: Generally, fish haven’t been rising as we’d like. If you’re giving it a shot, a nice BWO may get the job done. There are some hecuba left. The upper stretches are better than the lower. Throw smaller flashy stuff for streamers. Orange Pat’s rubber legs for an October caddis imitation, Bird of Prey.

Rock Creek: It has been spotty up there. On the rainy days, BWOs have been a good option. The mahoganies have been coming off, along with October caddis and some mayfly action. Sparkle streamers, olive, brown, black, and white streamers. They have been turning for some smaller streamer patterns in lots of places- that is definitely worth a shot. Try a wooly bugger. Size 10-12 hopper with a flashy nymph below it; pheasant tale, bird of prey, lightening bug, batman nymph, or a Copper Bob/John.

In The News:

-30% off our whole streamer selection! (We have loads of good ones!)

-20% off G4 Simms Boa boots

Missoula Fishing Report

Missoula Fishing Report 10/21


Missoula Fishing Report

October 21st

The fishing is looking up. Though the weather ison and off, it is giving us something to work with. Cloud coverage and colder days are moving in, making for good mayfly fishing and just more prolific hatches in general. Be sure to have some streamers on hand, wher
ever you may end up. Prime time fishing doesn’t begin until the water warms up a little bit… Mid afternoon has been a great time to wet a line, though it has been going off right before sunset in certain spots as well.

fash raport 

Blackfoot River: Streamers have been doing the trick in the deep pockets of water. They really dig the junky articulated stuff- blacks, olives, yellows, sparkle minnows. Apart from that, size 10-12 hopper is still being eaten during the afternoon- try throwing on a Copper John/Bob or a Bird of Prey (to imitate the October Caddis). While they are eating on top- PMDs, BWOs, baetis, and your favorite mayfly.

Clark Fork: Seems like the Upper Clark Fork has been more consistent than the other parts. Streamer fishing in that area is killer, and mayfly patterns are a great option for the Clarky on these cloudier days. Don’t rule out the stretches through town, nor the lower parts, as they have been going off as well- just more spotty than we would like. October caddis, mahoganies, PMDs, and orange stimis. For nymphs, try a hopper-dropper rig with a Goldie Hawn, San Juan worm, or a Bird of Prey.

Bitterroot River: Lower has been more of a mystery, or simply bug-less. As for the middle and upper stretches, there is more action. If you chuck a big heavy streamer near the bank, you may just land a nice big brown. The fish have been rising higher upstream, eating mahogany patterns, the occasional hecuba, baetis, and orange stimulators.

Rock Creek: It’s been spotty up Rock Creek. Streamer fishing has either been realllly good, or reallly not so good. Try tying on a mahogany, parachute adam, baetis, or an October caddis. For nymphs, Copper Bobs, batman, or a Bird of Prey.

In The News:

-G4 Boa boots are 20% off!

-Streamers on sale! 30% off.

-We’re still booking trips! Call us or stop in with questions

 

Missoula Fishing Report

Missoula Fishing Report 9/29


Missoula Fishing Report 

October 6th

(No, it does not look like October 5th…)

fishyreport

Lets get down to it… We’ve all been waiting to see true fall fishing around here. The sun is brighter than expected, and we haven’t had very prolific hatches. The fishing is most definitely keeping anglers on their toes. The water has clearly cooled way down despite this odd weather, and it is ideal to get on the water once it hits high 50s to 60 degrees. Hopper-dropper rigs are the answer throughout the afternoon. October caddis are not out in full force, but we are definitely beginning to see some pupae on all three rivers, and it is well worth trying to get ’em on the dries. An October caddis imitation (Goldie Hawn, Bird of Prey) works well with a hopper above it. Ants, beetles, and a hopper of your choice are a great option. Hecuba are here and there, particularly on the Clark Fork and Bitterroot, generally mid morning. As water is still low in a lot of places, keep an eye out for deeper slews and pools. Terrestrials remain a good option on each river, and they seem to get the job done during the afternoon. To the dismay of many, there hasn’t be a load of action up top. Some days are better than others, but with the lack of cloud coverage, nymphs have been turning a lot of fish. If you are after size– streamer game is strong in heavy deep water. Black, white, olive, and browns have worked really well. They are still diggin’ on the sparkle minnows as well.

Blackfoot River: The streamer game has been really active on parts of the Blackfoot. Big junky stuff, mainly. Articulated streamers, woolheads, sparkle minnows. Black, olive, brown, and white. If you see them eating up top… Purple haze (16/18), October caddis, mahoganies (14/16), parachute adams. Terrestrials: Hoppers (10/12), ants, beetles. Throw ’em near logs, wood, etc. Hopper-dropper rig has been a good option. Copper bob, lightening bugs, San Juans, rubber legs, Goldie Hawn, bird of prey.

Clark Fork River: Tricos are trico spinners are on and off. The fish are still hitting hoppers, ants and beetles. Try a hopper followed by your favorite dry. As for nymphs, copper bob, red lightening bugs, Goldie Hawn, bird of prey. Mahoganies, hecuba, PMDs, and baetis.

Bitterroot River: The fishing has been more consistent on the lower Root. They have been all about dark articulated streamer patterns. Along with that, they’re all about the mahoganies on top– it can be hard to predict exactly which pattern works best. Try a few. Mid-day terrestrial action, once the water is warm enough… The Bitterroot is full of logs, fallen trees, branches, etc. Throw them there!! Watch for hecuba and swarms of tricos.

Rock Creek: It has been tricky. White streamers… streamers of all sorts. Big articulated ones, black, brown, sparkly patterns. Terrestrials are worth a shot in the afternoon… But the water is pretty low in a lot of places, and the fish don’t seem to be after dries. Hopper-dropper rig is a good option. If you’re out there later, they seem to be feeding on top right before sunset. Look for deeper pods and heavy H20.

In The News: 

-We’re still booking trips!! Call or stop in and reserve your spot.

-20% off all Simms outerwear!

-20% off G4 Boa Simms boots

 

 

Missoula Fishing Report

Missoula Fishing Report 9/11

Missoula Fishing Report 

September 11th

Hoot Owl Restrictions are lifted on all three rivers. You are free to fish wherever your wild heart desires! This weekend’s weather forecast is ranging from high 70s to mid 80s. It is surely a great time to get out on the weather and get into some fall fishing while you bask in what’s left of our sunshine. Again, you don’t need to be getting on the water around sunrise these days. Patience is a virtue– wait until nine or ten to wet a line, as the water is much cooler than weeks previous. There will a barbecue at the shop tonight (Friday) at 7 pm! We will be enjoying good food, great company, and celebrating the kick off of fall fishing. Come bring your best jokes, your dog, and your A-game for a round of washers. Someone needs to knock Russell off of his high horse after all these years.

MG_1441898799956

Last night’s sunset was pretty surreal

Blackfoot River: Try throwing your favorite mayfly pattern in the morn’. Look for bigger fish foraging in the tail-out runs. Size 16-20 c0mparaduns, or olives. Mahoganies have been a great fly- try size 16. Alternative options would be a purple haze, or a royal wulff. Terrestrial game is alive and well… Beetles, ants, and hoppers all afternoon. Try throwing some big junky streamers; both dark and bright ones should find their way in your fly box today.

Clark Fork River: Tricos are out, depending on the day, some more than others. They seem to like the sun. This will probably be a great weekend for them. Mayfly patterns work great on overcast days. The fish will be in the skinny inside seams. Hopper-dropper rigs are an option in heavier water. Hi vis spinners, size 16-20 olives, as well as cripples/spun dun. Size 14-16 mahoganies and red rocky mtn mint flies. Size 6-10 hoppers have been killing it throughout the afternoon! We like peach and purple!

Bitterroot River: Great am trico hatches… Followed by an early afternoon with your favorite mayfly pattern. There aren’t many hecuba but they are out and about and the fish are hungry for ’em. For hecuba, cripples, and parachutes, go with a 10-12. Mahoganies are 14-16, olives 16-20. Be sure to have plenty of hoppers.

Rock Creek: The morning seems to produce mainly risers. Size 12-16 mayflies, 10-12 hecuba and royal wulff. Hoppers, ants beetles during the afternoon.Throw them near some wood, logs, etc. If you’re looking to nymph, copper johns, rubberlegs, and worms. The yellow streamers have been doing well on Rock Creek. The fish are after big flashy stuff.

In The News:  

-SHOP BARBECUE AT SEVEN TONIGHT! No better spot to spend a Friday night

-20% off all Simms outerwear clothing

-20% off Simms G4 Boa boots