Fly Fishing Report Brought To You By Our Missoula Fly Fishing Guides And Fly Shop Staff.
Enjoy and Good Luck!
Bitterroot River
Fly fishing the Bitterroot River is getting into August mode, with good, steady tricos in the morning, and hoppers in the afternoon. We’ve had some cooler days, and the water temps are dropping, which is definitely helping the fish, though the hopper fishing comes on later. In the wind, throw hoppers, if the afternoon is calmer, Ants and Beetles may perform a bit better. When the sun does come on strong in the afternoon, lengthen your dropper and run an SR Bullet Black, SR Bullet Olive or Umpqua Pheasant Tail Jig. With the water levels, a streamer is still a decent option, especially on the edges of the day
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Blackfoot River
Blackfoot River fly fishing continues to be solid, with wading access improving day by day. You might see some tricos on the lower sections, and there are a few Tan Caddis still out, but mostly you’re looking at Hopper/dropper. Run a little longer dropper for more success. If you go double nymph, make sure one is big (Pat’s Rubber Legs, Double Bead Stone) and one small (Pheasant Tail Jig, Duracell, Firestarter). The nymphing has been very good, with fish moving back into better lies due to cooler water temperatures. Don’t sleep on a smaller, sleeker streamer- the big boys are still active, especially in lower light situations.
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Clark Fork River
Fly fishing on the Clark Fork River is steady, as you would expect, with the middle section is getting a big inner tube hatch. The tricos are fairly well established, and the fishing is consistent on the surface when they’re on. Ron’s Trico and the Sprout have been consistent producers. The afternoon hopper fishing has been good, especially on the lower sections when the wind blows. If you find a calm day, bring out the ants and beetles. Most of the action is subsurface, and a deep Pat’s Rubber Legs is still moving fish, as is the G Kes, SR Bullet Black and the Duracell. Cooler water temps are allowing decent evening fishing, and if you’re an early riser, a big dry (6-8) at dawn will move fish looking to eat the last nocturnal stone.
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Rock Creek
Rock Creek fly fishing is steady. The most success is coming from a double nymph rig, one big and one little. The Pheasant Tail Jig, Hare’s ear Jig and a Prince have all been working, with the Jig Pat’s getting the flies down in the faster current. Water temps are getting better, and the fish are active later into the afternoon. Move to a hopper after you see a couple fly, but keep the dropper on. Tan caddis are still being seen in the evening, and you can provoke a few fish into rising, As always, the Sculpin Sparkle Minnow is producing in the deeper channels, with fish taking more in the center of the river than the edges. Still good flows, so be ready for typicla Rock Creek Wading- we’re not at Fall levels yet.
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Montana Fly Fishing Guides – Float Or Wade Fishing Trips
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July Hatches
Click any photo below to find out more information on each individual hatch. Includes life cycle, best fly patterns, helpful tips and where to find these hatches in your Western Montana fly fishing adventure.
