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Missoula Guided Fly Fishing offers a wide variety of experiences from March to October.
Spring (March-April)
The spring season in Missoula offers one of the best windows for dry fly fishing, especially with the emergence of the Skwala stonefly, Blue-Winged Olive (BWO), and March Brown hatches. These early-season hatches bring eager trout to the surface, and with the river volume similar to fall water levels—lower and clearer than during peak runoff—conditions are ideal for precision casting and targeting trophy fish. The clarity of the water also enhances sight fishing opportunities, allowing anglers to spot rising trout and present dry flies with great accuracy.
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The March and April timeframe is particularly favorable for targeting large brown trout on the surface. If you want to catch a big brown on topwater, this is hands down the best time to visit. Brown trout are aggressive during this period, as they actively feed on the abundant hatches. In addition to dry fly fishing, streamer fishing can be highly productive during this time, especially when targeting the river’s deeper runs and undercut banks. Streamers mimic the movement of baitfish and larger prey, enticing some of the river’s fattest and most powerful trout.
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Most of the guide trips during the spring season focus on the Bitterroot and Clark Fork Rivers, both of which are renowned for their early-season hatches and exceptional fishing. These rivers provide a mix of technical dry fly fishing and more relaxed streamer fishing, ensuring that anglers of all skill levels can enjoy a successful day on the water. With fewer crowds and prime conditions, spring in Missoula is an excellent time to land a trophy trout.
Summer (June-July)
The summer season in Missoula offers an incredible range of fly fishing opportunities, with a variety of hatches and conditions that make it one of the most exciting times of the year to fish in Montana. The Blackfoot and Clark Fork rivers truly shine in June and July, providing some of the most epic dry fly action of the season. This is when large, iconic bugs like Salmonflies, Golden Stones, Green Drakes, Yellow Sallies, and PMDs take center stage, drawing hungry trout to the surface. These hatches often occur in tandem, creating a vibrant, action-packed fishing experience.
The Salmonfly hatch, in particular, is one of the most anticipated events of the year, as massive stoneflies begin to emerge along the riverbanks, tempting large trout to rise and feast. This hatch is followed closely by the Golden Stone and Green Drake hatches, which continue to keep fish actively feeding on top. Yellow Sallies and PMDs provide consistent dry fly action, especially in the morning and evening hours, offering anglers plenty of opportunities to hook rising fish.
In addition to the classic hatches, the summer season also brings the Spruce Moth hatch, which can offer some of the most thrilling dry fly fishing of the year. This hatch typically peaks in late July and continues into early August, with trout aggressively feeding on the moths as they flutter across the water. Terrestrial bugs such as hoppers, ants, and beetles also make their presence felt throughout the summer, providing additional opportunities for big fish to strike.
June and July are prime months for fishing the Blackfoot River, which offers big bugs, strong trout, and stunning scenery. The river’s clear, cold waters and abundant insect life create the perfect environment for both dry fly enthusiasts and those who prefer nymphing or streamer fishing. The Clark Fork River, known for its mix of technical water and easy access, is also an ideal location during the summer months. Both rivers offer a variety of water types, from fast-moving riffles to deep, slow pools, providing something for every angler.
This time of year in Montana is also marked by long days, excellent weather, and lush green landscapes, making it an incredibly beautiful and enjoyable season to be on the water. The summer months offer perfect conditions for anglers looking to experience some of the best fly fishing in the West, with opportunities for both beginner and expert anglers to find success. Whether you’re casting big dries for hungry trout or chasing hoppers along the banks, the summer season on the Blackfoot and Clark Fork rivers is an unforgettable experience.
Early Summer (May)
May is an exceptional time to fish the Missouri River, one of the best tailwater fisheries in the West. If you haven’t experienced the Mo yet, it's definitely worth adding to your fishing bucket list. The Missouri, especially around Craig, is renowned for its abundance of fish per mile and trophy-sized trout. Craig, often referred to as the epicenter of Missouri River fishing, is a small but vibrant town with three fly shops, two bars, and a few good restaurants, making it a perfect base for your fishing adventure.
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The Missouri River is known for its consistent flows, which keep the fishery in prime condition year-round, but May offers some of the best conditions, with stable flows and a variety of hatches, including the prolific Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs), Mahogany, and Caddis. The combination of excellent hatches and the river’s healthy population of wild rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout makes for fantastic dry fly action and nymphing opportunities. The Missouri is famous for its big fish, and the average size of trout here is unmatched in the state, with plenty of fish in the 18-22 inch range and the chance to land a trophy-sized trout over 24".
Fall (August-October)
The fall season in Missoula brings some of the most exciting and consistent fly fishing of the year, with an abundance of rising trout and plenty of opportunities to target trophy fish. As the weather cools and the rivers settle into a more predictable rhythm, the hatches begin to intensify, making fall a prime time for dry fly anglers. The Trico hatch kicks off at the end of August and continues through October, with trout actively feeding on these tiny mayflies, particularly in the early mornings. This hatch can be both technical and rewarding, requiring precise casting and delicate presentations, especially when fishing with 3-4 weight rods that offer the perfect balance of sensitivity and control for targeting rising fish.
After the Trico hatch, the Mahogany Dun and Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches take over, providing another wave of dry fly action. The BWO hatch, in particular, is a fall staple, and when conditions are right, it can be explosive, bringing trout to the surface in a frenzy. These hatches create excellent opportunities for head-hunting, as the fish tend to focus on the surface activity, making it easier to spot rising trout and place your fly in the right lane.
Fall is also a time when consistency becomes a key factor in fishing success. The abundance of rising trout combined with the steady hatches provides anglers with reliable fishing throughout the day. In addition to the mayfly hatches, the fall season often brings some of the best hopper fishing of the year, especially as grasshoppers are abundant in the warmer months and begin to drift into the water. Targeting grasshoppers tight to structure, like undercut banks and along the edges of riffles, can be highly productive and exciting, as large brown trout and rainbow trout eagerly take these terrestrial insects.
This is also the time of year when trout are fattening up for the winter, making them particularly aggressive and willing to take a well-presented fly. The cooler temperatures and changing river conditions also make for more comfortable fishing, as the summer heat gives way to crisp, fresh air.
Most guided trips in the fall are focused on the Bitterroot and Clark Fork rivers, both of which offer exceptional dry fly fishing opportunities. The Bitterroot, with its numerous riffles and pools, provides ideal conditions for targeting rising fish, while the Clark Fork’s mix of technical water and user friendly stretches offers a variety of fishing experiences. Whether you're streamer fishing for a big brown or honing your skills on rising trout, fall in Missoula is a special time to be on the water, offering some of the most consistent and rewarding fishing of the year.