Fishing in Missoula

Nestled in a valley surrounded by the Bitterroot, Sapphire, and Rattlesnake mountain ranges, Missoula is one of the premier fly fishing destinations in the American West. It sits at the confluence of three iconic rivers—the Clark Fork, Bitterroot, and Blackfoot—which flow with cold, clear water straight from the surrounding peaks. This rugged setting, combined with a strong local fishing culture and easy access to miles of wadeable streams and driftable river stretches, makes Missoula an angler’s paradise. From downtown casting to remote mountain streams, this part of Montana delivers that wild, untamed fishing experience many anglers only dream about.

Missoula’s river are the lifeblood of its fishery, each offering its own character and charm. The Clark Fork River, which runs right through the city, is wide and slow-moving in some sections, offering great opportunities for float fishing and sight-casting, especially in late summer and fall. It’s also the recipient of flows from both the Bitterroot and Blackfoot, making it a productive stretch with good hatches. To the south, the Bitterroot River winds through the valley floor, a classic freestone river known for its fast runs, rocky pockets, and riffles. The Bitterroot offers exceptional dry fly fishing, particularly in the spring when its famous Skwala hatch kicks off the season in March. North and east of Missoula, the Blackfoot River—made famous by A River Runs Through It—flows through steep canyons and forested valleys. It’s a faster, colder, and more rugged stream than the others, ideal for floating and casting big terrestrials along undercut banks during the summer months. These rivers average depths of 2 to 6 feet and are generally easy to wade, though floating by drift boat or raft is often preferred to cover more water. In the surrounding mountains, smaller streams and high-country lakes provide more secluded options for adventurous anglers. These backcountry waters, though often requiring a hike or rough drive to reach, are rarely crowded and can offer surprisingly good action for wild trout.

Missoula’s rivers are renowned for their wild trout populations. The primary targets are rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, and bull trout, though each river has its own specialties. The Clark Fork and Bitterroot are great for browns and rainbows, with consistent action throughout the spring, summer, and fall. The Blackfoot is known for its native West Slope cutthroat and the elusive, federally protected bull trout— the latter requiring special handling and always catch-and-release. Throughout the season, anglers may also encounter mountain whitefish, especially in colder months when they are active and often respond well to nymph rigs. The diverse habitat and varied water conditions in the Missoula area create ideal spawning grounds and year-round trout residency.

Missoula is a fly fishing stronghold, and most anglers stick to the long rod. In the early spring, nymphing and streamer fishing dominate, with stonefly patterns, sculpins, and attractor nymphs performing well in cold water. As spring warms up, dry fly fishing takes off, with the famed Skwala hatch bringing up hungry browns and rainbows in March and April. From May through August, hatches of caddis, PMDs, green drakes, and terrestrials make dry flies and dry-dropper rigs the go-to setup. Summer fishing often means long, sunny days with opportunities to cast large foam patterns like hoppers along grassy banks. Late summer and early fall bring cooler water and increased activity, with streamers and large attractors drawing big fish out of hiding. Fall also offers some of the best fishing of the year, with fewer crowds and the possibility of aggressive pre-spawn brown trout in the system. While some bait and spin fishing does occur in nearby lakes or under specific regulations, fly fishing remains the primary method in and around Missoula.