Posts by Anthony VonRuden

If there’s a prettier place to be on earth than a Montana river in September, we haven’t seen it. The cottonwoods are hinting at changing, and the larches in the mountains have already turned. The trout, too, are a colored up for fall, and they’ve spread out from the riffles to feed on mayflies. On […]

After the smoke, a little magic We got some much needed rain, even snow in the high country, and, poof, the air cleared–then the mayfly hatches began. Yesterday our guide boats fished 5 different species of mayfly with success–mahogany and Baetis the newcomers–as well as Streamers and large leggy junk. Big fish were looking for […]

Thankfully, we are back to fishing all hours of the day.  Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks has lifted it’s hoot owl restriction on the Blackfoot, Bitterroot, and Clark Fork Rivers. Snow fell on the Front Range this morning.  Nights are longer and cool.  Water temps are great.  Fall is just around the corner! Bitterroot River Fishing […]

Not to sound like a broken record, but once again a big rain saved our tails and we are looking for smooth sailing through August. Water flows hit the above average mark on the Bitterroot after the rain, and temps are within the safe zone. Put your bare foot in the Blackfoot at 2:00, and you’ll […]

Nocturnal Stoneflies producing from first light on, spruce moths are gaining momentum, hoppers in the early afternoons…without a doubt, from where we stand, the Missoula Fishing Report glass is half-full. If you’re coming to Missoula to fish in the next few weeks, keep a few facts in mind: 1) The water temps are suitable to […]

Last week’s clients brought great vibes, heavy rains, and cool temps to Missoula. They also brought a lot of big and healthy fish to net. And they deserved it: I’ve never seen a more cheerful bunch of dudes at 6am in the hotel parking lot! The Blackfoot is swinging with spruce moths, the lower Clark Fork […]

Despite the heat, it’s been a wonderful week of fishing in Missoula.  In anticipation of FWP’s Hoot Owl Restriction (See Below), we’ve been meeting clients about the time your newspaper hits the door, and have been on the water early and off before the heat of the afternoon.  Cooler nighttime temps expected this week should help […]

Bitterroot Fishing Report: The lower river has fish rising to PMDs and yellow sallies throughout the morning. Bigger goldens are good searching flies for large, once-a-year fish as the day goes on. Cloudy days mean search the mid-river slots for the lurkers. Up top, look for stonefly hatches with more density — Bitterroot stones and […]

Remember that old game? You can pretty much play it, pick any river in our system, and have outstanding fishing this week. Even on the sunny days, we’ve found fish looking up in earnest. Blackfoot River Fishing Report Find shade on the Blackfoot, and be ready to show em something other than a salmonfly. Bitterroot […]