Fall Run: Missoula Fly Fishing Report

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 big bugs! That, among all changes, says fall is here.

No matter the angler, the missoula autumn fishing game offers something appealing. Sunny days offer chances to hunt rising fish with tricos and the afternoons of hopper fishing take the edge off the techy am stuff. Cloudy days let us play big bugs in the morning and target sippers in the afternoon. The feeding lanes you took 12″ fish from last week now house 16-20″ trout hellbent on bulking up before Halloween.

Blackfoot River Fishing Report:

Some big fall critters were on the move this week with the change of temperature. Hecuba mayflies offered the best dry fly fishing but blue wings will play up here real soon.

Bitterroot River Fishing Report:

The September mayfly Olympics have officially begun! Stock up in your favorite low rider / cripple and let it ride on a long leader. The fish up here look to have endured the heat wave and fires just fine and this is the perfect time of year to join the 20/20 club–20″ fish on a size 20 fly.

Clark Fork River Fishing Report:

Here she comes in all her glory! The hopper fishing has been awesome in the sun and the mayfly action has the bigguns sliding up into the shallows already. Remember the titans?