580cfs (slightly below average for this time of year)
36"+
62F
Clear
Mornings to early afternoon. Evenings.
The entire river is fishing well right now. Low flows make for very busy rowing some sections. Keep your head up.
Multiple access points all along river
Rainbows, westslope cutthroats, cutbows, browns, bull trout and whitefish.
All Year - Winter can be tough.
Missoula International Airport (MSO)
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 Gold
Scientific Anglers Trout Express or Rio Predator F/I/S3