Fly Fishing Report Brought To You By Our Missoula Fly Fishing Guides And Fly Shop Staff.
Enjoy and Good Luck!
Bitterroot River
The Bitterroot River fly fishing has been pretty good lately, with some decent dry fly fishing. Flows are still above average, making access a bit tougher. The further south you go, the easier the wading gets, while the entire river system is good for floaters. 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. Tricos are getting steadier every day. Lengthen that dropper a bit, as the water temps are higher than we like in the late afternoon. Play your fish hard and fast, and release in the colder, midstream flows. Mice after dark and just before sunrise! Or a streamer at dawn or dusk.
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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. Bring Spruce Moths- 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. Expect tubers mid day. 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. At the edges of the day, think about a streamer- the big boys are out in low light.
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Clark Fork River
The Clark Fork River fly fishing remains good on the surface along the length of the river, but the middle section is getting a big tuber hatch. Waning Golden Stones and PMD’s during the day, and caddis in the evening. Tricos are starting to establish, and early risers might see a Rusty Spinner Fall. Hopper or Golden Stone dry/dropper has been our go-to rig. 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, but longer, cool nights are helping with that. 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 dropping water and easier wading access. 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. The upper section is seeing some good surface action in the afternoon- thank the cooler nights for that.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!
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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.
