Missoula Fly Fishing Report – April 5, 2020.

First of all I hope everyone is staying healthy with everything that is going on. States are taking new measures every day to keep the public safe and healthy, with that in mind be courteous of everyones personal space. If you pull up to a fishing access and there are ten cars in front of you maybe think about moving on to another spot to avoid crowding. The last thing we want is for Montana to close the rivers to all fishing.

Bitterroot River – The Bitterroot is on fire right now. This has been the best spring fishing that we have seen since 2017. The dropper bites are starting to taper off slightly as the fish are consistently eating adult Skwala and Mayfly patterns during the warmest part of the day. With the water being low and clear try adding some length to your leader to decrease the number of refusals you might be getting.

Clark Fork River – Most years the Clark Fork is getting high and dirty at this point in the season but the cool weather is keeping the flows in check. Both the Upper and Lower river is fishing very well. As with the Bitterroot the warmest part of the day is producing the most action.

Blackfoot River – We have been telling you that the early season streamer bite on the Blackfoot is no joke. Streamers and Stoneflies have been the ticket. Don’t let the water temps fool you, rip rip pause.

Rock Creek – Last week we told you to expect the bigger fish to start pushing in from the Clark Fork. A quick wade mission led to this chunk of a Rainbow landing in the net. The trick was a size 8 stonefly nymph ran deep along the bottom. Long drifts and lots of mending.

Top Patterns – #10 Skwala Dry, #8 Pat’s Rubblerlegs, #6 Olive Bugger

Looking Ahead – The fishing is amazing everywhere in Western Montana right now so go out and enjoy it but please give everyone their space and if you are late to the party just move on down the river and find some solitude. Tight lines!