Mousing Montana Fly Fishing

Missoula Night Fly Fishing – Mice and Big Streamers

It’s 8:30 pm on a late July evening in Western Montana. You just got done with a short after work trip to the river, throwing a dry and putting a few smaller fish to hand, then switching it up to a streamer, but no slam pig brown like you’ve always dreamed of. The sun is just starting to tuck behind the mountains, so you figure you’d better head back towards the car. . . or should you? Is the best trophy trout fishing of the day about to begin? Is that monster of a brown trout just starting to slide out from a deep hole to feed? Well, there’s only one way to find out.

Morrish Mouse


One of the most overlooked methods of fly fishing for big trout around Missoula starts when the sun goes down. It may seem foolish and difficult to fumble around attempting to cast in the dark, but the payout can be extravagant. First, let’s establish why this works, and why it’s worth giving a shot. Big trout, and I mean BIG trout (23-32 inches) didn’t get big by being stupid. After living in a system for anywhere from 7 to 20 years, they know where and when they are in danger from predators, they know what actions put them in a vulnerable position, and they know one simple solution to eliminate these life-threatening factors. Eat. At. Night. Simple as that, feeding after sundown allows big trout to roam nearly any part of the river as they wish without a care in the world about the eagle that lives a quarter mile upstream. However, protection is not the only reason that huge trout choose to feed almost exclusively at night, there is another factor that is more seasonal. As you may have noticed the last time you fished the river in 100 degree weather, trout aren’t too fond of hot water temps. The biggest and smartest fish in the river are no exception. These fish live with 4 things in mind: get big, stay big, make babies, don’t die. The ‘stay big’ portion of this lifestyle is not particularly complimented by exhausting vast amounts of calories trying to chase baitfish through the shallows under the scorching hot sun. The air becomes cool at night in the Missoula area, and so does the water. Yet another reason why the 10+ pound trout of your dreams isn’t sipping BWOs at 2:00pm.

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Missoula Fly Fishing Guide Chase Harrison


Now that we’ve discussed why this works, lets address how. There are two commonly used methods when it comes to fly fishing at night; mousing/topwater and streamer fishing. In most freestone rivers like the Bitterroot River, Blackfoot River and Clark Fork River, when trout reach a certain size, mayfly nymphs and caddis flies aren’t going to sustain the calorie intake that these pigs require. When the fish reach this point in their life, some will start to shift from a BMI (Benthic Macro Invertebrate) diet, to a baitfish and juvenile fish diet. Not only this, but these trout will also predate on mice, rats, small water mammals, frogs, crawdads, snakes, birds, the list goes on. Anything that offers a significant number of calories, a large predacious trout will eat if it can get its jaws on it. That being said, larger 4-7 inch articulated streamers have become a standard imitation for these large piscivorous trout, and anything from a single hook Moorish Mouse to a triple articulated rat pattern stripped across the surface will go as a rodent imitation. Oh, and ideally bring at least a 6 or 7 weight rod or you’re ‘gonna have a bad time’. Now, it’s not necessarily true that one of these fly selections will work better than the other, because when a trophy trout is the target, it’s more-so about being in the right place at the right time. However, as exciting as it is to hear a 6 pound brown Trout break the silence of the night with a belly flop on a mouse pattern, the number of hookups are less than ideal. If comparing the hookup ratio of a mouse pattern to a streamer, it’s probably 1:5. . . Regardless of which fly option you choose, the strategies that follow both are relatively similar. First off, it all starts with finding the right body of water. You need to find a system that has big fish potential. This can mean a few things. . . the system has at one point or another produced a giant fish or two, the system regularly produces larger fish (say 18-22 inch trout in this case) and you’re looking to uncover something greater, or maybe something as simple as a big fish story. Two crucially important factors that arise while night fishing rivers, is familiarity with the water, and finding safely wadable water. Don’t go trotting out onto a river you’ve never laid eyes on before in the pitch black. Not only can this be incredibly unsafe, but you also will have little clue what you’re casting to, tremendously lowering your efficiency. Keep in mind, it’s important to keep your headlamp off as much as possible, so casting into complete darkness is much easier if you’ve walked the water a time or two in the daylight. Additionally, try and choose a stretch of water where you can either easily navigate the bank, or walk through shallow and calm water that won’t sweep you off your feet and take you for a midnight swim. Now, with disclaimers out of the way, lets say you find a familiar stretch of river that you are convinced will produce a 28” brown trout. Focus on fishing moderate/slower pace water, anywhere near obvious structure or cover such as undercut banks, overhanging trees, downed logs, and rip-rap banks. Another major river feature that should be noted while night fishing, is big shelfs and drop offs. Often, large predatory fish will sit down on the deep end of a drop off during the day to rest. When nightfall hits and they’re ready to feed, they will move up onto the shelf and scan the flat water for minnows and juvenile fish . . . so, don’t be hesitant to pull a streamer or mouse through a stretch of knee deep water. Additionally, big fish will also move into side channels and sloughs where their prey has less room to escape.

Mousy Mcmouse Face. One of our favorite mouse patterns.


From here, there’s only a couple things left to consider; commitment and persistence. Night fishing is different, and not particularly convenient or appealing to the average angler. However, it is by far the most effective manner of targeting big fish exclusively and not worrying about numbers. Furthermore, the determination to pursue a big fish comes with some downfalls. Other than the few giants, most fish usually stop feeding around sunset. This means you’re going to get skunked more times than anyone likes to admit along the journey of chasing a trophy. Those willing to bite the bullet and put fishless (and sleepless) hours on the clock are the ones who will be rewarded. So . . . next time you hit the river for evening outing of fly fishing, bring a few streamers, a couple mice, and a headlamp. Stay a few extra hours and you may be surprised what kind of magic happens after the sun goes down.

We do offer guided fly fishing trips in Montana for Mousing. Due to safety of issues of fishing at night we typically start at first light in the morning which can be one of the best times to mouse. If this is something you would like to do then please give us a call at 1 (406) 728-7766.

Additional Night Fishing Resources

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 10/27

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:

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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.

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Missoula Fishing Report

Missoula Fishing Report 10/13

Missoula Fishing Report 

October 13th

Clouds are in the forecast! Once Friday and the weekend rolls around, we should have some fall weather in the forecast. The fishing should start speeding up, as it has been getting a little better each day. ffishy reporrt

Blackfoot River: H20 is very low. It has undoubtedly made for tough fishing. They are still eating hoppers, as well as hopper-dropper rigs… Streamer fishing can be decent too.

Clark Fork River: There have been some mahogany hatches… hopefully they will be getting better as the cloud coverage comes. Baetis, October caddis, and the rare trico. The Clarky has been looking up lately, and there seem to be more rising fish here. If they aren’t eating dries, try putting on an October caddis pupae imitation. (Bird of Prey, Goldie Hawn, something orange). Olive, white, and black streamers!

Bitterroot River: Hecuba are coming off, as well as some mayflies. Mahoganies are very on and off, but keep an eye out for em. October caddis, BWOs, and baetis. For nymphs, Bird of Prey, Goldie Hawn, Copper Bob/John, orange lightening bugs. Big, dark, junky streamer patterns!

Rock Creek: It has been tricky… Though again, the clouds will help. October caddis are hatching here more than other spots, assuming that they will eat your fly on top. Otherwise.. imitate it on bottom with a nymph. Still eating hoppers and other terrestrials, especially near logs, etc. Mahoganies may be out, baetis, parachute adams, purple haze. Chuck your streamers by the bank and wait for some browns to build up an appetite. Again, browns, white, olives, and black patterns. 

In The News: 

-30% off streamers!

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-It’s that time of year… Come on in and sign up for Fly Tying Classes!

-The MAngler

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