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 has been pretty good lately, with some decent dry fly fishing. Flows are still way above average, making wading a bit tougher. Focus on the upper stretches or the Forks if you’re wading. The upper, Middle and lower stretches have all been good for the float fisherman. Hoppers and waning PMD’s are what we’re seeing, with a little Spruce Moth action here or there. The Rusty Spinners are not strong, but we’re seeing them at dawn and dusk, so have them with you. Be ready for the tricos- they’re being seen but hasn’t established yet. Lengthen that dropper a bit, as the water temps are coming up fast in the heat. Play your fish hard and fast, and release in the colder, midstream flows. Mice after dark and just before sunrise!
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips for each hatch
Blackfoot River
The Blackfoot River fly fishing continues to be solid, especially from a boat. Look for Golden Stone remnants, waning PMDS and a few Tan Caddis. Have your Spruce Moths with you- they’re sporadic but the fish will eat them if they’re on. Water temps are rising, which means the lower section should be fished early morning and late evening. Our go-to rigs start with a Hopper or Golden Stone dry, dropping a G-Kes, TH Duracell, Tung Jig PMD, CBD Nymph, Frenchie and Olive Hot Spot. As you fish later into the day, lengthen the dropper for more success.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!
Clark Fork River
Fly Fishing the Clark Fork River remains good on the surface along the length of the river. Waning Golden Stones and PMD’s during the day, and caddis in the evening. We are starting to see some Tricos in the morning but not with the consistency we’ll see in a week. Hopper dropper and Golden Stone dry dropper has been our go-to rig. Inconsistent Rusty Spinner falls at dawn and dusk, so have them with you just in case. Droppers have been most consistent, with the G-Kes, TH Pink Hot Spot, Spanish Bullet, Tung PMD Jig and Pat’s Jig producing well. Water temps are coming up, so add some length to the dropper and respect the trout. Play them fast and release in the cooler, faster water. If you’re feeling it, a mouse after dark or big Golden at dawn for the nocturnal stones will move fish.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!
Rock Creek
Rock Creek fly fishing has been good, with flows dropping and the wading access much easier. Look for waning PMD’s and Goldens during the day, with some good hopper fishing in the afternoon. Bring your Spruce Moths and tricos, just in case you run into them. Tan Caddis are strong producers if you’re on the river after dinner. Streamer fishing is still good with a Sparkle Minnow or Baby Gonga, and of course nymphing is a numbers game. Water temps are sneaking up on Rock Creek, so do the right thing and be firm with the fish to release them green.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!
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.
