Mousing Montana Fly Fishing

Missoula Night Fly Fishing – Mice and Big Streamers

It’s 8:30 pm on a late July evening in Western Montana. You just got done with a short after work trip to the river, throwing a dry and putting a few smaller fish to hand, then switching it up to a streamer, but no slam pig brown like you’ve always dreamed of. The sun is just starting to tuck behind the mountains, so you figure you’d better head back towards the car. . . or should you? Is the best trophy trout fishing of the day about to begin? Is that monster of a brown trout just starting to slide out from a deep hole to feed? Well, there’s only one way to find out.

Morrish Mouse


One of the most overlooked methods of fly fishing for big trout around Missoula starts when the sun goes down. It may seem foolish and difficult to fumble around attempting to cast in the dark, but the payout can be extravagant. First, let’s establish why this works, and why it’s worth giving a shot. Big trout, and I mean BIG trout (23-32 inches) didn’t get big by being stupid. After living in a system for anywhere from 7 to 20 years, they know where and when they are in danger from predators, they know what actions put them in a vulnerable position, and they know one simple solution to eliminate these life-threatening factors. Eat. At. Night. Simple as that, feeding after sundown allows big trout to roam nearly any part of the river as they wish without a care in the world about the eagle that lives a quarter mile upstream. However, protection is not the only reason that huge trout choose to feed almost exclusively at night, there is another factor that is more seasonal. As you may have noticed the last time you fished the river in 100 degree weather, trout aren’t too fond of hot water temps. The biggest and smartest fish in the river are no exception. These fish live with 4 things in mind: get big, stay big, make babies, don’t die. The ‘stay big’ portion of this lifestyle is not particularly complimented by exhausting vast amounts of calories trying to chase baitfish through the shallows under the scorching hot sun. The air becomes cool at night in the Missoula area, and so does the water. Yet another reason why the 10+ pound trout of your dreams isn’t sipping BWOs at 2:00pm.


Now that we’ve discussed why this works, lets address how. There are two commonly used methods when it comes to fly fishing at night; mousing/topwater and streamer fishing. In most freestone rivers like the Bitterroot River, Blackfoot River and Clark Fork River, when trout reach a certain size, mayfly nymphs and caddis flies aren’t going to sustain the calorie intake that these pigs require. When the fish reach this point in their life, some will start to shift from a BMI (Benthic Macro Invertebrate) diet, to a baitfish and juvenile fish diet. Not only this, but these trout will also predate on mice, rats, small water mammals, frogs, crawdads, snakes, birds, the list goes on. Anything that offers a significant number of calories, a large predacious trout will eat if it can get its jaws on it. That being said, larger 4-7 inch articulated streamers have become a standard imitation for these large piscivorous trout, and anything from a single hook Moorish Mouse to a triple articulated rat pattern stripped across the surface will go as a rodent imitation. Oh, and ideally bring at least a 6 or 7 weight rod or you’re ‘gonna have a bad time’. Now, it’s not necessarily true that one of these fly selections will work better than the other, because when a trophy trout is the target, it’s more-so about being in the right place at the right time. However, as exciting as it is to hear a 6 pound brown Trout break the silence of the night with a belly flop on a mouse pattern, the number of hookups are less than ideal. If comparing the hookup ratio of a mouse pattern to a streamer, it’s probably 1:5. . . Regardless of which fly option you choose, the strategies that follow both are relatively similar. First off, it all starts with finding the right body of water. You need to find a system that has big fish potential. This can mean a few things. . . the system has at one point or another produced a giant fish or two, the system regularly produces larger fish (say 18-22 inch trout in this case) and you’re looking to uncover something greater, or maybe something as simple as a big fish story. Two crucially important factors that arise while night fishing rivers, is familiarity with the water, and finding safely wadable water. Don’t go trotting out onto a river you’ve never laid eyes on before in the pitch black. Not only can this be incredibly unsafe, but you also will have little clue what you’re casting to, tremendously lowering your efficiency. Keep in mind, it’s important to keep your headlamp off as much as possible, so casting into complete darkness is much easier if you’ve walked the water a time or two in the daylight. Additionally, try and choose a stretch of water where you can either easily navigate the bank, or walk through shallow and calm water that won’t sweep you off your feet and take you for a midnight swim. Now, with disclaimers out of the way, lets say you find a familiar stretch of river that you are convinced will produce a 28” brown trout. Focus on fishing moderate/slower pace water, anywhere near obvious structure or cover such as undercut banks, overhanging trees, downed logs, and rip-rap banks. Another major river feature that should be noted while night fishing, is big shelfs and drop offs. Often, large predatory fish will sit down on the deep end of a drop off during the day to rest. When nightfall hits and they’re ready to feed, they will move up onto the shelf and scan the flat water for minnows and juvenile fish . . . so, don’t be hesitant to pull a streamer or mouse through a stretch of knee deep water. Additionally, big fish will also move into side channels and sloughs where their prey has less room to escape.

Mousy Mcmouse Face. One of our favorite mouse patterns.


From here, there’s only a couple things left to consider; commitment and persistence. Night fishing is different, and not particularly convenient or appealing to the average angler. However, it is by far the most effective manner of targeting big fish exclusively and not worrying about numbers. Furthermore, the determination to pursue a big fish comes with some downfalls. Other than the few giants, most fish usually stop feeding around sunset. This means you’re going to get skunked more times than anyone likes to admit along the journey of chasing a trophy. Those willing to bite the bullet and put fishless (and sleepless) hours on the clock are the ones who will be rewarded. So . . . next time you hit the river for evening outing of fly fishing, bring a few streamers, a couple mice, and a headlamp. Stay a few extra hours and you may be surprised what kind of magic happens after the sun goes down.

We do offer guided fly fishing trips in Montana for Mousing. Due to safety of issues of fishing at night we typically start at first light in the morning which can be one of the best times to mouse. If this is something you would like to do then please give us a call at 1 (406) 728-7766.

Additional Night Fishing Resources

Missoula Fly Fishing Report 7/29

Bitterroot River

The Bitterroot is a great option right now and the dry fly fishing has been good. We have been seeing plenty of PMD’s, Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies and the hopper fishing is in full swing too. If you come across a mid day lull then the dry dropper rig will keep you busy. Our go to droppers right now are the G-Kes Ptail Hot Spot, Jiggin Stones and just about any color Perd’s. For Dries we have been running Water Walkers, Plan B’s and Flush Floater.

Blackfoot River

The Blackfoot is warming up but still fishing good throughout the morning and early afternoon. The spruce moths have been around for the last week or so but not in any numbers until this week. We have been seeing lots of moths the last few days and this should keep the fish busy for the next few weeks. It’s terrestrial time on the Blackfoot so focus on Hoppers, Moths, ants and beetles. Flies to try include the Mangler Moth, Fathead Moth, Ant-Acid, Water Walkers, Plan B’s, Flush Floaters, Mill Creek, Super G for dries and for droppers try Perd’s, Ptail Soft Spots, G-Kes, Jiggin Stones and Jig Pheasant Tails.

Clark Fork River

The Clark Fork has been fishing good from the top to the bottom. Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies, PMD’s, Spruce Moths and some decent hopper action is on the menu right now. Some of the best fishing in Missoula can be found on the Clark Fork this time of year. For flies most of your PMD patterns will work along with bigger bugs like the Water Walkers, Plan B’s and Flush Floater, Mangler Moth, Fathead Moth. Droppers include G-Kes Ptail Hot Spot, Jiggin Stones and just about any color Perd’s.

Rock Creek

Rock Creek is one of your best options right now along with dozens of other tributaries in the Missoula area for wading. Spruce Moths, Golden Stones and Yellow Sallies have been our go to and the hopper fishing is producing some great fish too. Most days there is no need to go subsurface unless you want to. Dries all day long is the game right now

Come join us Saturday 8/3 for our 4th annual Crawdad Boil. Crawdads, Pike, Beer, Burgers and Hot Dogs are all on the menu.

Fishing Report 3/20

FISHING REPORT 3/20

Bitterroot

Fishing has been a little tough with the fluctuating water levels through out  the week. The Skwalas are here but the fish haven’t quite keyed in on them yet. This can change quick with the extended forecast as long as we don’t see to much rain. The clarity is off now but the nymphing and streamer fishing has still been fair. For now fish the slower inside seams with your favorite Skwala nymphs. Fishing tandem stonefly nymphs is our rig of choice this time of year. Look for the dry fly action to improve mid to later this week.

Blackfoot

The bump in water turned this one off color a bit but that shouldn’t last to long with the extended forecast. Streamer fishing picked up in a big way right before the bump and you can expect to continue that trend as the water levels off and clears up. Brown/yellow and olive/white combos seem to be the more effective streamers although the Sparkle Minnow and Kreelex produced of course too. Few fish eating dries in the slow water as well. If you are looking to pop some fish on dries up here this time of year, then fish slow runs with a small Nemoura or baetis in the afternoon. Don’t stand on one foot waiting for this to happen though.

Clark Fork

Skwalas are out but the water is still a bit dirty. Should be a much better option later in the week.

Rock Creek

One of your better options around this week. Rock Creek has bumped like all the other rivers but tends to stay a bit clearer then the other rivers in this situation. Nymphing and streamers is the main game but don’t hesitate throwing a Skwala dry with a nymph dropper in the afternoon. This may not produce numbers, but if you are like many of us this time of year and just want to see a head come up then that is a solid option. If you are after numbers, then double stonefly nymph rig or stonefly trailing a worm, egg, prince, hares ear, etc… off the back will be your best bet.

GOOD LUCK

 

Missoula Fishing Report

Missoula Fishing Report

Missoula Fly Fishing Report

Hot Hot Hot

The fishing around Missoula has been good to great. The main issue currently is the heat. It is expected to be very hot this weekend. Get out early. The fishing hasn’t been the best during the heat of the day.

The Blackfoot– Good to fair dry fly fishing on the right days. The deep dropper or nymph rig has been producing the most fish. The fastest and deepest spots are holding all the fishing right now. Throw it up in the top of the riffle for the big rainbows. Get it down fast and set on anything. There are still Salmon flies hanging around from The Mid to the Upper river. Somedays the trout are eating them.

The Bitterroot- The upper river has been fantastic. Lots of great dry fly fishing. They are still eating golden stones. The bigger fish are sitting in the fast skinny water. Keep your eye on your bug! The middle and lower river are fishing well. Better in the clouds. Dry fly fishing is there. You just have to put it in the right spot.

The Clark Fork- Upper Clark is mossy. Fishable if you can handle the salad. Goldens and mayflies. The lower river has less moss, but the fish have been stubborn. Take a gamble, it might pay off.

Rock Creek- Rock Creek is at the perfect wade fishing level. The fish have been eating goldens, Salmonflies, Green Drakes, PMD’s, Caddis, and whatever else you have in your fly box. Fun fishing up there right now. Go take advantage of some cold water.

Over all, It’s good. Get out early. Fish heavy tippet, and fight your fish fast.

-The MAngler