Missoula Fishing Report
September 9th
Hope with a nice bow she hooked into
Fall fishing has arrived! In addition to this fabulous news, FWP has uplifted any and all restrictions on our beloved rivers! The North Fork, as well as all Blackfoot tributaries, are Hoot Owl-free. Although we are still in the midst of some transition with our summer and fall hatches, the fishing is absolutely killer and we finally got rid of the smoke. We have nothing but good news for the fishing community today. The brown trout are getting eager to spawn, meaning they are more aggressive than they have been in quite some time. Go find out for yourself! On a side not, the water is clearly cooling down drastically. There is no need to rush out on the water like we were during the dog days of summer. It isn’t until nine or ten that the water temps drop to a decent point- and that is when the magic happens. Streamer game is starting to get really hot, as well as the terrestrial game- on all of the rivers.
Blackfoot River: Good Mayfly fishing, especially on cloudy days. Look for big fish foraging in the tail-outs of the deep runs. Try some mayfly patterns in the morning to early afternoon. Size 16-20 comparaduns, olives. Size 16 mahoganies, purple haze, and royal wulff. As before, beetles, hoppers, and ants have been a great option. Chuck some big heavy streamers and you’ll have a chance at getting a hefty fish- be sure to bring both bright streamers and dark ones.
Clark Fork River: Tricos are still hatching! Mayfly patterns on overcast days. Look for fish on those skinny inside seams. The hopper-dropper rigs are good in heavy water. For tricos, try size 18-20 (don’t forget your readers folks), hi vis spinners, olives 16-20, as well as cripples/spun dun. Size 14-16 mahoganies and red rocky mtn mint flies. Again, 6-10 hoppers have still been doing really well throughout the afternoon. We like peach!
Bitterroot: Great am trico hatches… Mayfly stuff in the afternoon. There aren’t many hecuba but they are not and the fish are looking for them. For tricos, size 18-20. For hecuba, cripples, and parachutes, go with 10-12. Mahoganies 14-16, olives 16-20. The terrestrial game is alive and thriving! Parachute hoppers are a great option. Try dark streamers!
Rock Creek: The morning seems to produce mainly risers. Again, don’t waste too much time wetting your line before about 9 am. Try some bigger mayfly patterns… 12s and 14s. Mahoganies from 14-16, and size 10-12 hecuba and royal wulff. Terrestrials: hoppers, ants, beetles. On Rock Creek, look for some wood, logs, etc. to throw these bugs. The fish will be expecting them near those! As for nymphs, throw rubberlegs and worms. We are digging the yellow streamers on The Creek– but be sure to throw some sort of streamer, as the fish are chomping on some big flashy stuff.
In The News:
-Simms outerwear 20% off!
-G4 Boa boots 20% off!
-The MAngler