Tip of the Week The Blackfoot is still flowing a little big and is pretty dirty. It is on the drop, so it should start to take shape next week the upper end should clear before the lower end. No Salmonflies are flying around just yet but we should see them pop any day now. 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 Up near Ovando, Saturday temps will be in the 60s and then Sunday it will be cool and rainy. The rest of the week looks to have highs in the 50s and 60s with rain possible a few of the days.
Best Techniques A heavy indicator rig is your best weapon for the weekend. Even though the hatch hasn't started on top, the large stonefly nymphs are highly active along the bottom. Fish a deep bobber rig with a heavy TJ Hooker, Rubber Legs, Sili-Leg Stone or a Prince Nymph through the slow, soft water. Streamers are also a highly effective tool for covering water and pulling fish out of the off-color tint. Be on the lookout for Green Drakes as well with the cooler rainy weather.
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
Montana Fly Company
Montana Fly Company
Montana Fly Company
Rio Products
Rio Products
Solitude Fly Company
Montana Fly Company
Montana Fly Company
Montana Fly Company
Montana Fly Company
Off Color
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High and off color
Mid Morning through the evening
The whole river is in play.
Multiple access points along the river.
Rainbows, westslope cutthroats, cutbows, browns, bull trout, whitefish, and suckers.
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 XP
Scientific Anglers Trout Express or Rio Predator F/I/S3
Missoula, Montana's family owned, Orvis-endorsed fly fishing company.
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