Missoula Fishing Report
JULY 14TH
Return of the spruce moths…
The spruce moths have been fluttering around over the past few days. They don’t appreciate the rain as much as we do, and this overcast weather has them hiding. Once the weather starts warming up again, these bugs will be swarming, and the fish will undoubtedly be eating. They’ve been out in full force on the Blackfoot, as well as the Clark Fork. There will be plenty around Rock Creek as well. The MAngler is getting a bunch of spruce moths in today, so stop in if you need to throw a couple in your fly box. An elk hair caddis can also be a decent substitution. Use a light tan or gray body and cut of the hackle thats on the belly- that way it will float like a spruce moth rather than skate around the water like a caddis.
Working away on some spruce moths. Go check out our blog post to watch Ron’s video on his version of tying a spruce moth!
( https://www.missoulianangler.com/2015/07/mangler-spruce-moth-tie-your-own/ )
Aside from that, things are staying pretty steady. It rained last night, though it looks like our chance of precipitation may be going down. It could very well still be cloudy and humid. Don’t forget that there is plenty of great water to be fished apart from that under Hoot Owl Restrictions. Go explore some creeks and alpine lakes, pray for rain, and be off the agua by two o clock pm! While fishing our rivers, don’t overlook the heavier water.
Blackfoot River: spruce moths, PMDs, elk hair caddis, stimis, hoppers, double beaded stones, chernobyls
Bitterroot River: Rusty spinners, PMDs, golden stones, hoppers, lightning bugs
Clark Fork River: Spruce moths, elk hair caddis, chubby style attractor patterns, yellow sallies, hoppers
Rock Creek: Spruce moths, elk hair caddis, PMDs, goldens, big attractors, parachute adams. Throw some nymphs and streamers in the heavy runs
-The MAngler