Missoula Fly Fishing Report
Bitterroot River

Missoula Fly Fishing Report 3/6

by MAngler

Fly Fishing Report Brought To You By Our Missoula Fly Fishing Guides And Fly Shop Staff.

Enjoy and Good Luck!

Bitterroot River

The Bitterroot is slowly dropping and clearing as we write, but still has some color. Lots of water came in last week. The skwala nymphs are starting to stage on the Bitterroot. THE NYMPHS. We’re still a bit away from dry fly action with Skwalas and Nemouras. An SR Bullet Black or Black Knight are great Nemoura nymphs, while the 20 Incher or the Peacock Double Bead Stone is a good skwala nymph. Bring your dries if it makes you feel better- they make a decent indicator.
There’s shelf ice on the ‘Root as well, so wading anglers make sure of access in and out. Also, wade carefully in the shallows- the nymphs are there, so are the trout. If you’re waist deep, you’re probably where the fish just were. Access for floaters was good two weeks ago, and there hasn’t been enough recent snow to change that. Dress warmly!
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips for each hatch

Bitterroot Streamflow

Blackfoot River

Cold, cold, cold. The wade fishing has been slow, though larger fish are being taken. Floaters are finding more ice in the guides than fish in the boats. And just the lower river, boat access in the upper river is sketchy at best. Of the 4 rivers we have, this will be the slowest. Wait a bit before hitting the Blackfoot, but if you do make the call, a Brown TJ Hooker or dark Pat’s Rubberlegs is the best option. Drop a small perdigon off the back of the bigger nymph, and get Deep.
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Blackfoot Streamflow

Clark Fork River

Clark Fork is up and a bit off color through town and above. Which will help get rid of some of the shelf ice lining the banks. Waders need to make sure they have clear access in and out before entering the water. Some of the access ramps are easily accessed, others will require a bit of a boat drag. The weather this week won’t melt access blocks all that quickly- that will change in about 5 days.
Look for the river to be much clearer in the next 24-48 hours, and the trout to get back to their subsurface feeding. Don’t sleep on a deep, slow moving streamer, as well as the usual suspects for nymphs. Take a look into the back sloughs and slow eddies to target the pike, they’re starting to get on the feed as well.
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Clark Fork Streamflow

Rock Creek

Be ready for a little shelf ice in some spots, and if you’re thinking of the upper river, go around by Phillipsburg. The middle portion of Rock Creek Rd is still in winter conditions. Of the four local rivers, Rock Creek was least affected by the spate, and it’s the clearest river in the area.
Make sure to run your dropper a bit deeper up here- the water is up and moving a bit, and trout are hugging the bottom or deep in structure. Skwala nymphs are working, and a Brown Perdigon is a good WMB nymph. Slow pools will show willing for a streamer, but keep it low and slow. Smaller is better for streamers up here, but we’re hearing the little articulated streamers are moving fish.
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Rock Creek Streamflow

March 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.

Skwala Overview
March Brown Overview
Blue Winged Olive Overview- Spring

Missoula Fly Fishing Report
Bitterroot River

Missoula Fly Fishing Report 7/25

by MAngler

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 is in the process of changing over from early summer to summer fishing. The Golden Stones and Yellow Sallies are waning, though the trout still recognize them and will eat. The hoppers are trying to establish, and are working, but some are being taken as Goldens. The PMD’s are still strong enough to bring pods to the surface, but the hatch is less predictable than a week ago. Tricos are being seen, but not much moving to them yet. At dusk, look for Tan Caddis and Pale Evening Duns. The hotter the day, the later the evening rise. People are throwing attractors, but they haven’t taken off yet. Ants and Beetles are producing along the length of the river.
Subsurface, a streamer early in the morning will move fish, but slows down when the sun hits the water. The Yellow Spot Jig and the G Kes are still working, while the SR Bullet French is starting to produce. The Duracell and Copper Top are also moving fish.
Water temperatures aren’t super critical on the upper Bitterroot, with Darby staying under 68 for the last week. The lower Bitterroot is a bit different. The water temps above Missoula have been above 72 for the last 4 days. If you’re going to chase the evening rise, drive farther south than you’d hoped to find colder water. The afternoons are hot, if you haven’t noticed. The smoke continues to help keep the sun off the water, but the fish still need a break in the heat of the day. Fish early and plan to be off the water by 3:00, to give the trout a break.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips for each hatch

Bitterroot Streamflow

Blackfoot River



The good news is the nights are getting colder, and the Blackfoot river hasn’t been above 68 for the last 6 days. The water isn’t cold, but it’s not in the danger level. Still fish early to be off early afternoon, to keep from stressing the fish in the heat of the day. If you end up on the river later in the day, cut the dropper off and stay on the surface. Dragging fish up from the cold bottom to the warm surface and shore will stress fish badly.
The Golden Stones and Yellow Sallies are hanging in well on the Blackfoot River. So are the PMD’s, Tan Caddis and Pale Evening Duns. The hoppers are being seen, and eaten as well. The PED’s and Tan Caddis are a dusk event, though a small Tan Caddis is moving smaller fish all day. Attractors are moving fish well enough to have them, but a TJ Hooker and Pats Rubber Legs are working well underneath a big Golden or Tan Chubby. Smaller jigs like the Pheasant Tail and Firestarter are also effective. Bigger jigs have been more effective than smaller in the last couple of days. A streamer in the morning is never wrong on the Blackfoot, though sun will end that fun.
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Blackfoot Streamflow

Clark Fork River


The Clark Fork River is the only local river with Hoot Owl hours. There’s no fishing between 2:00 PM and Midnight from the junction of Rock Creek east to Warm Springs. The warmer water is also affecting the lower Clark Fork as well, though there are no restrictions in place. However, if you can plan your day to be off the water before the heat hits, that will help the stress levels of the trout.
Goldens and Yellow Sallies are almost done, though the fish will still eat the occasional imitation. Hoppers are starting to establish, and are flying well later in the day, unfortunately. If you stay for the hopper bite, cut your dropper off and drop down a tippet size. Get the fish to hand as quickly as possible, and release it in colder water.
The PMD’s are getting the fish on the lower Clark Fork to pod up, and the dry fly fishing is classic lower Clark. Have some cripples and emergers, as well as classic dries to cover all aspects of the hatch. The Tan caddis and Pale Evening Duns are still coming off at dusk, with the heat of the day pushing them closer to sunset. Ants and Beetles are moving fish along the banks, though attractors have not yet started to make their presence felt.
Big droppers are still moving trout subsurface. TJ Hookers, Pat’s RubberLegs and Zirdles are moving fish deep in the morning. Smaller jigs are also effective, with the G Kes, Yellow Spot and Micro May PMD taking a large proportion of fish.
At first light, a big dry stonefly will take the cruisers still looking for the nocturnal stones. And if you get to the river prior to first light, have a mouse pattern with you. The big fish come out to play at night, and the big fish in the Clark Fork are BIG! Worth getting out of bed for.
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Clark Fork Streamflow

Rock Creek

Rock Creek is fishing very well right now, with a variety of flies working. Goldens and Yellow Sallies are still moving fish, and hoppers are being eaten as well. Purple hoppers and green hoppers have been the most effective. PMD’s are waning, but still being seen. The Tan Caddis are still prolific, and will take fish all through the day, as well as dusk. Attractors have been providing a lot of fun on Rock Creek, with Micro Chubbies really moving a few fish.
The subsurface action has been strong, with gray and brown jigs taking a lot of fish. The larger droppers have fallen a bit, but a size 12-14 Pats Rubberlegs is still moving trout. Don’t be afraid to run a streamer in the morning, with the Sculpin Sparkle Minnow being the number one contender.
water temps in Rock Creek are doing quite well, with nothing above 67 in the last 5 days. We still recommend cutting off the dropper for afternoon fishing, but Rock Creek is lone of the best local rivers for good water temps. The warmer water has made the bottom more slippery than usual, so safety first when wading.
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Rock Creek Streamflow

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.

Golden Stone Overview
Yellow Sally Overview
Pale Morning Dun Overview
Hopper Overview
Ants & Beetles Overview
Tan Caddis Overview
Missoula Fly Fishing Report
Bitterroot River

Missoula Fishing Report 7/8

by MAngler

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 remained good throughout the warm water temps. The upper stretches are running cooler than most streams around Missoula while the lower stretches remain warm and should be fished early morning and done by early afternoon. PMD’s, Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies and Hoppers are all on the menu.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips for each hatch

Bitterroot Streamflow

Blackfoot River

The Blackfoot River has been fishing surprisingly well through the heat wave but water temps remain warm and you should focus your fishing in the morning and stop fishing in the afternoon. Dry fly fishing remains good early with Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies and Hopper patterns. Focus on heavier seems and outside bends where water is moving quicker.
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Blackfoot Streamflow

Clark Fork River


The fly fishing on the Clark Fork River has been decent lately. There is Hoot Owl restrictions above where Rock Creek comes in so you need to stop fishing by 2pm. The stretches below Rock Creek has no restrictions but water temps remain warm in the afternoon so it is smart to stop fishing as if there were hoot owl restrictions river wide. Morning dry fly fishing has been good with PMD’s, Golden Stone, Yellow Sallies and Hoppers. Focus on heavier seems and faster moving water where oxygen levels are highest.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Clark Fork Streamflow

Rock Creek

Rock Creek fly fishing has been fishing good lately and is running cooler then a lot of our bigger streams. Oxygen levels are highest in the heavy seems and faster water which is where you want to focus your time. Water temps are still fairly high in the afternoon so get on the water early and off early. Hatches include Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies, PMD’s and Hoppers.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Rock Creek Streamflow

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.

Golden Stone Overview
Yellow Sally Overview
Pale Morning Dun Overview
Hopper Overview
Ants & Beetles Overview
Tan Caddis Overview
Missoula Fly Fishing Report
Bitterroot River

Missoula Fishing Report 6/24

by MAngler

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 good lately. Bugs have shown up in good numbers and fish are happy. Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies in the sun and Green Drakes and PMD’s in the clouds. The Bitterroot has been fishing good on the lower stretches all the way to the top from morning to evening.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips for each hatch

Bitterroot Streamflow

Blackfoot River

The Blackfoot River has been great lately with a Salmon Flies on the upper stretches and Golden Stones from top to bottom. We have seen some decent Green Drake and PMD hatches in the cloud and thick Caddis Hatches in the evenings. We’ve been throwing single dries all day long and loving it.
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Blackfoot Streamflow

Clark Fork River


The fly fishing on the Clark Fork River has turned the corner into some great dry fly fishing over the last week. Golden Stones, PMD’s and Green Drakes have been the main game. There has also been some impressive Caddis hatch in the evening. Fishing has been good from morning all the way in to the evening.
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Clark Fork Streamflow

Rock Creek

Rock Creek fly fishing has been good lately. Salmon Flies have tapered off but plenty of Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies, Green Drakes, PMD’s and Caddis to keep the fish interested in the dry fly. Rock Creek is coming into a great wade fishing level and boats have started to move to the bigger rivers as the flow drops.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Rock Creek Streamflow

June 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.

7 Tips For Fly Fishing The Salmonfly Hatch
Golden Stone Overview
Yellow Sally Overview
Green Drake Overview
Pale Morning Dun Overview
Tan Caddis Overview
Missoula Fly Fishing Report
Bitterroot River

Missoula Fishing Report 6/18

by MAngler

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 is improving every day. Still a lot of water and not a ton of bugs yet. There are some Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies, Green Drakes and a few PMD’s kicking around. The lower and middle Bitterroot is still a bit slow for dry fly action and the upper end has been producing some good dry fly fishing with Golden Stones and Salmon Flies.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips for each hatch

Bitterroot Streamflow

Blackfoot River

The Blackfoot River has been decent lately with good clarity and tons of bugs including Salmon Flies, Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies, Green Drakes, PMD’s and Caddis in the evening. We can’t say the dry fly action is great at this point do to the amount of bugs and full fish but metabolism will catch up and the fishing should improve every day. We’ve been picking up a few fish here and there on dries but the dropper and nymph game has been by far the most productive. We have also had some good streamer fishing this week too.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Blackfoot Streamflow

Clark Fork River


The fly fishing on the Clark Fork River has been decent lately. The clarity is improving every day and the dry fly fishing is picking up. Salmon Flies, Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies, Green Drakes, PMD’s and Evening Caddis are all hatching right now. The nymph and streamer fishing has been the most productive but there has been some great dry fly fishing day to day.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Clark Fork Streamflow

Rock Creek

Rock Creek fly fishing has been great lately with flows dropping to a more wadeable level and still enough water for floating. Salmon Flies on the upper sections and Golden Stones from the top to bottom. Dry fly fishing is the way to go right now but of course nymphing and streamer fishing will be productive too.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Rock Creek Streamflow

June 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.

7 Tips For Fly Fishing The Salmonfly Hatch
Golden Stone Overview
Yellow Sally Overview
Green Drake Overview
Pale Morning Dun Overview
Tan Caddis Overview
Missoula Fly Fishing Report
Bitterroot River

Missoula Fishing Report 6/7

by MAngler

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 is starting to clear along the length. It’s NOT clear, but it is fishable in the upper sections. Subsurface is the main game, big nymphs and streamers. The Salmon Flies have been sparsely spotted, but no reports of actual fish eating on the surface. So close we can taste it on the upper section, but don’t expect much till mid to late week.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips for each hatch

Bitterroot Streamflow

Blackfoot River

The Blackfoot River is still high and way off color, but it has been dropping for 48 hours and is starting to think about clearing. We think the big water bumps are mostly done, so expect the Blackfoot to be fishing by the weekend. If you’re looking to throw some big streamers to hungry fish, look for the weekend to make a start to summer on the Blackfoot.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Blackfoot Streamflow

Clark Fork River


The lower section of the lower Clark Fork River is blown, and will be for the foreseeable future. The upper section is fishing in spots, but is still not a great option. Most travelers are making the right at Drummond and heading to Rock Creek. If you go up high, it’s a nymph and streamer game for the most part. Have your Pat’s Rubberlegs in Brown and Black, and a few smaller streamers. If you get all the way to Warm Springs, have your scuds and leeches.
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Clark Fork Streamflow

Rock Creek

Rock Creek Flows have been dropping for the last 36 hours. The salmon flies are being seen on the lower river, and a few fish are coming to the surface. The river is still above normal flows, so waders should be very careful as you hit the water. Water temps are dropping and will stay down for the next 4 days, if the weather holds to prediction. Start subsurface with a Peacock Double Bead Stone, Brown Pat’s Rubberlegs or Black/Brown TJ Hooker. Now’s the fun time for Salmon dries, so when the adults hit the water, be ready with a Dancing Ricky, Damien’s SUV or any big, foamy bug with lots of rubberlegs. It’s early in the hatch, big and gaudy move fish to the surface.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional fly patterns and tips!

Rock Creek Streamflow

June 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.

7 Tips For Fly Fishing The Salmonfly Hatch
Golden Stone Overview
Yellow Sally Overview
Green Drake Overview
Pale Morning Dun Overview
Tan Caddis Overview