Top 5 Hopper Fly Patterns

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: ...

Top 5 Must-Have Flies For Summer Fly Fishing

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...

2024 Father’s Day Fly Fishing Gift Guide

Find The Perfect Fly Fishing Gift This Father's Day With Father's Day just around the corner on June 16th, it might feel overwhelming to choose the perfect gift for the fly fishing enthusiast in your life. Finding a unique and thoughtful present for the dad who seems to have it all can be challenging. That's why we've curated a selection of top-notch gift ideas that are sure to delight any fly fisherman. Each item is handpicked to ensure quality and...

2024 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Looking for the perfect Mother's Day fly fishing gift? As Mother's Day approaches, it's time to celebrate the special women in our lives who share a love for the fly fishing. Finding the perfect gift for Mom can sometimes feel like casting into unfamiliar waters, but fear not! At our Missoula fly shop, we understand what your mom needs to make the most of her time on the water this season. Whether she's a seasoned angler or just dipping her...

Best New Products of 2024

2024 has been the year of new products in our online fly shop from some of our favorite vendors like Simms, Winston, Scott, Orvis, and more. With all of the new trends in fly fishing and the latest and greatest technology hitting the market, we want to share our top new products for 2024 plus a look at new products that we brought into our Missoula fly shop that’s not necessarily new for this year, but recently became available in...

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

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...

2023 Father’s Day Fly Fishing Gift Guide

Looking for the perfect Father's Day gift? With Father’s Day rapidly approaching, it may seem like your list of potential fly fishing gift ideas is never ending. After all, what do you get for the dad who has everything? Fly fishermen know what they want, and that’s why we have narrowed down several surefire gift ideas that will please any dad on your list. All of which are available on our online fly shop. 1. R.L. Winston Air 2 Fly...

Top 5 Salmonfly Patterns – Montana Salmonfly Hatch

Looking for some salmonfly patterns that flat-out work for the Montana salmonfly hatch? Salmonfly season is upon us and if you are like us, you’re on the edge of your seat. There’s nothing quite like casting enormous foam dry flies at the bank and watching eager trout crush them. However, Montana’s salmonfly hatches are not a secret. It’s crucial to have the right flies on hand to stand out from the crowds. We’ve handpicked five of our favorite new salmonfly...

Top 5 Flies for Spring Fly Fishing in Missoula

  Spring fly fishing in Missoula, Montana is one of our favorites! I’m sure you’ve heard us say that before, but we can’t say it enough. It’s the time of year that we all look forward to after a long winter and cabin fever has set it. There’s no better cure than fly fishing Missoula on our local rivers.  Spring is also the time of year when we catch some of our biggest fish on dry flies. Yes, you heard…

Montana Fall Fly Fishing | The Gear You Need

Fall is one of the greatest times to do some Montana fly fishing. Not only is it beautiful here, the temperatures are great and the fish are happy and hungry. However, it does present some unique challenges to even the most experienced angler. Weather is often quick-changing, water is low and clear, and the bugs hatching are smaller than our summer stoneflies. That being said, this is still one of our favorite times of the year to get out on...