Tip of the Week The Clark Fork is still pumping a lot of water but is on the drop. The upper end of the Clark Fork has cleared up nicely. Focus on the soft water sections and eddies on the Clark Fork. Fish will find themselves in there with the main current running bigger. With the rivers still running big, remember the creeks and stillwaters are open, and could be a good spot while the rivers are taking shape.
7 Day Outlook Throughout the Missoula valley, expect passing rain showers on Saturday and Sunday. Temperatures will hover in the mid-50s over the weekend before rebounding into the 60s and 70s throughout the week.
Best Techniques Go big or go home with your nymphing setups. Stick to massive stonefly patterns, bright red or pink San Juan worms, and heavy Zirdle Bugs. Because the river is full, swinging or stripping large streamers on fast-sinking tips is an excellent option. Make sure your fly sinks quickly into the fishy zone.
Conditions change fast! Call us at 406.542.7411 for the most recent updates on area rivers, fly selection, and gear recommendations. Local to Missoula? Swing through the shop to get dialed in with the best gear from Orvis, Patagonia, and Skwala, plus the exact bugs they're eating today.
Montana Fly Company
Solitude Fly Company
Rio Products
Montana Fly Company
Montana Fly Company
Montana Fly Company
Off Color
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High and off color
Mid-Morning to the Evening
Many options, both above and below town
Multiple access points all along the river.
Rainbows, westslope cutthroats, cutbows, browns, northern pike, pike minnows, suckers and whitefish.
Fishing season is open year round.
MSO (Missoula International Airport)
From a boat - 7.5' 3x-4x. Wading step it up to 9'
3X, 4X and 5X will cover 90% of our fishing applications. 1-2X is great for punching out large, wind resistant dries in high dirty water. Don't drop lower than 10lb for streamers (we recommend a 4-5' 10lb tapered leader with a sink tip fly line). Leave the 6X at home.
The 9' 5WT is our do it all rod. Fast action rods will be best for most of our fishing; foam dries, dry-dropper fishing and nymphing. A fast action 6WT will be useful for large foam dries, small streamers, heavy nymph rigs and punching bugs through the afternoon wind. Bring a 7WT if you plan to fish large articulated streamers.
Scientific Anglers MPX or Rio Grand
Scientific Anglers Trout Express or Rio Predator F/I/S3
Missoula, Montana's family owned, Orvis-endorsed fly fishing company.
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