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.
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