Top 5 Hopper Fly Patterns

Posted on by Hackle
Written by Aidan Morton To most, the dry, pale shade of yellow that overcomes our lawns, fields, and hillsides is a sign that the dog days of summer are upon us. To fly fishermen, however, late summer in Montana is synonymous with low water and big hopper fly patterns.   While our beloved summer stonefly and mayfly hatches hold a special place in our hearts and minds, I long for those warm afternoons throwing hopper fly patterns to the bank: ...
angler holds large brown trout with grassy bank in background

Top 5 Must-Have Flies For Summer Fly Fishing

Posted on by Hackle
Mid-summer is here and there are plenty of fly fishing opportunities available to angler across the west and more. While the most notable hatches like salmonflies, drakes, and skwalas have passed, it doesn't mean that the fish stop eating. In fact, mid-to-late summer can be one of our favorite times to fish! One of our favorite things about peak summer is the huge variety of different places to go fly fishing in Montana. From the local go-to's like the Bitterroot...

18 Places For Fly Fishing In Montana

Posted on by Rick Marcum
Fly fishing in Montana tops many a fly fisher's bucket list. And we can’t blame them. We are lucky enough to live in a state that boasts the best trout fishing in the United States and one could argue the Planet. From the mighty Clark Fork River, Blackfoot River, Bitterroot River, and other Missoula area rivers to the Yellowstone and Gallatin, we’ve gathered our 18 places for fly fishing in Montana. These are by no means in order of importance,...
map of Montana

5 Reasons Why You SHOULDN’T Go on a Montana Fly Fishing Trip

Posted on by Hackle
To many, a Montana fly fishing trip is the pinnacle of outdoor adventure. However, fly fishing trips in Montana are far from what you’d expect. It’s true, you’ll experience unforgettable scenery, wildlife, and fishing. Instead, most are left with many unwanted, and unfortunate, side effects.  Sure, your father’s, cousin’s, sister-in-law might have gone on a Montana fly fishing trip and raved about it. But did they mention the awe, jealousy, or unquantifiable fun that would haunt them for years following...
angler holds a large cutthroat trout above the river

6 Fly Fishing Tips For Upping Your Game

Posted on by Rick Marcum
Becoming a better angler is probably the most satisfying aspect of fly fishing. There’s something about watching yourself improve at a complex skill that is constantly rewarding. It also has a tendency to teach us mindsets that can be applied to all facets of our lives. Like any skill, improving at fly fishing takes endless practice and repetition. There’s just no teacher like experience. That being said, it’s also common to repeat the skills we’ve become comfortable with and not...
fly fisherman holds a large brown trout caught on the Missouri River near Craig, Montana

Fly Fishing Yellowstone National Park: Angler’s Paradise

Posted on by Aidan Morton
Ask anyone to describe Montana’s natural beauty and you will certainly hear about fly fishing Yellowstone National Park. The oldest national park in the country and a cornerstone of our state, Yellowstone welcomes millions of visitors each year to experience once-in-a-lifetime scenery and wildlife. But YNP’s rivers and lakes beckon a particular group of outdoor recreationists to travel from states, and even countries, away. Anglers of all experience levels travel from afar to try their hand with fly fishing Yellowstone...
Fly fishing for yellowstone cutthroat trout

5 Rivers for Fly Fishing Near Missoula

Posted on by Aidan Morton
Simply said, the most unique thing about fly fishing near Missoula is the abundance of easily accessible water. From our Montana fly shop in the heart of downtown Missoula, you are a stone’s throw away from Clark Fork River fly fishing, the lifeblood of our town. Travel 30 minutes upstream and you will crossover the mighty Blackfoot River before arriving at the mouth of the ever-so-charming Rock Creek. Or head south out of Missoula for fly fishing the Bitterroot River...
blackfoot river near Ovando with fall colors in the trees and mountains in background

Benefits of a Montana Float Fishing Trip

Posted on by Aidan Morton
There’s nothing quite like a Montana float fishing trip from the bow of a drift boat or raft. While wade fishing provides the opportunity to stalk trout on small water, fly fishing from either a drift boat or raft dramatically increases the amount of water, and trout, an angler will see. An addiction to rushing water and an obsession with Montana scenery and wildlife are just a few of the side effects of embarking on a Montana float fishing trip....
Fishing from a raft in western Montana

October Fly Fishing in Montana: Go Big or Go Home

Posted on by Aidan Morton
To the adventurous angler, October fly fishing in Montana yields some of the best action of the year. Sparse fishing pressure, cooler temperatures, and a slew of fall hatches makes for happy fish and happier anglers. While Missoula’s rivers boast great fly fishing all year round, the fall season, and October in particular, can produce some of the most epic fly fishing in Montana. Cooling Off and Heating Up If there’s one good thing about summer winding down in Montana,...
Fly fishing October in Montana

The Ultimate Fly Fishing Road Trip In Montana

Posted on by Aidan Morton
Set your sights on the open road during an exciting fly fishing road trip in Montana! Our experienced staff and guides have cut their teeth on rivers and streams across Montana and are here to help you take in the best of Montana fly fishing. As you make your way through the Big Sky State, keep your fly rod and access maps handy. We have a lot of water and it’s teeming with various trout species. Anglers flock to the...
Fly Fishing Road Trip Montana