Missoula fly fishing is an experience unlike any other! River fishing is abundant, the mountain views are breathtaking, and the city has something for everyone. Missoula sits at the confluence of three legendary rivers — the Clark Fork, Blackfoot, and Bitterroot and is home to many diverse fishing opportunities and prolific hatching seasons. The area is home to both native and introduced species of trout, and conservation efforts have helped keep fish populations robust. Our Missoula Bed and Breakfast is just minutes from the Clark Fork River and the best fishing of your lifetime.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Missoula fly fishing has something to offer. Beginners can enjoy relatively easy access points and slower-moving sections of the rivers, while experts can challenge themselves on more technical waters. Many fly shops in Missoula offer lessons, rentals, and guided trips, which can help you make the most of your time on the water. Missoula has a vibrant guide community, with many expert fly fishing guides ready to show you the best spots. Local guides know the rivers intimately, and they can help you navigate tricky waters, find fish, and learn the best techniques for the area. We recommend Missoula Fly Fishing Outfitters or Lazy Bear Outfitters!
There are many fantastic Missoula fly fishing options, some of our favorites are: Rock Creek – a hidden gem just outside of Missoula – is a smaller, freestone stream that offers some of the best wild trout fishing in the region, known for its cutthroat trout and rainbow trout populations; the upper reaches of the Blackfoot River, above the town of Bonner, offer more challenging and remote fishing opportunities, known for its wild fish, including large rainbow trout and brown trout; and the Swan River, located near the Swan Valley to the north of Missoula, known for its pristine beauty and great fishing for both rainbow trout and brown trout.
Whether you’re chasing trophy fish, looking for solitude in a wild, remote river, or simply enjoying some of the most beautiful landscapes in the U.S., Missoula fly fishing offers an unparalleled destination for anglers of all skill levels. After a long day on the river, you’ll want a place to relax and unwind. Our Missoula Bed and Breakfast offers a comfortable, quiet environment where you can enjoy a peaceful retreat. Whether you’re soaking in the beautiful mountain views, enjoying your meal, or just lounging in your room, you’ll find it the perfect spot to rest up for another day of fishing. Book your stay today!
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The Best Time of Year for Your Missoula Fly Fishing Trips
For most anglers, the best time to fly fish in Missoula is late spring through early fall, particularly June through September. However, fall (September and October) can be a great time for those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy some big fish action. If you’re targeting specific species, like early-run rainbows or post-spawn browns, spring or fall might be more ideal, while summer is great for the classic “all-around” fly fishing experience in Missoula’s famous trout waters.
Any season is a great time to visit Montana, but we’ve ranked them in order of the best times of year to ensure a successful Missoula fly fishing trip!
- The late spring season is best for Missoula fly fishing in the Blue Ribbon Trout Streams (like the Bitterroot, Clark Fork, and Blackfoot rivers). Spring runoff can make rivers high and fast, especially in May, but that also means the fish are feeding aggressively as the waters start to clear. Arpil – June sees good hatches of mayflies, stoneflies, and caddis, and fishing can be excellent once water levels stabilize. April and May can offer early opportunities with the “Mother’s Day Caddis” hatch on the Clark Fork and other local rivers and oth brown and rainbow trout are actively feeding as temperatures warm up.
- Summer, particularly June to August are known for consistently great Missoula fly fishing as the rivers are typically at ideal flows and clarity, making it a prime time to fish. You’ll see prolific hatches of caddis, PMDs (Pale Morning Duns), and terrestrials like grasshoppers, ants, and beetles. These hatches can last through July and August, making for exciting dry fly fishing. Trou are actively feeding during the summer, especially during the cooler mornings and evenings, and the rivers are more stable after the spring runoff.
- Fall also boasts great dry Missoula fly fishing and the opportunity to catch bigger fish and fall in Missoula is beautiful, with the changing colors of the trees creating a scenic backdrop for fishing. As temperatures drop, trout become more aggressive in feeding to prepare for the winter months, making them easier to target. Streamers (like leeches or minnows) can be particularly effective during this time. Fall hatches are more focused on blue-winged olives (BWOs) and smaller caddis, and some late-season terrestrials are still in play. The cooler weather also means fewer anglers on the river, which can make for a more peaceful and productive fishing experience.
- Missoula winters can be cold but ardcore anglers who enjoy solitude and winter conditions will love the coldwater fishing. Winter Missoula fly fishing is typically slower, but some anglers enjoy it for the challenge and solitude. The rivers tend to slow down, and fish aren’t as actively feeding, but you can still catch fish, particularly in warmer periods when the fish are more active. Brown trout are often the target in the winter months, as they tend to be more active during this time.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or just beginning your fly fishing journey, this is one of the best places in the world to cast a line.
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