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...

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...

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...

5 Recommended Fly Fishing Gear Essentials

5 guide recommended tried and true fly fishing gear essentials Looking for the latest and greatest in fly fishing gear? Spending every day on the water gives our guides the unique perspective of understanding what fly fishing gear will provide the most value and last the longest. Our goal is to provide our customers with top of the line products that offer performance and comfort. Whether you're a seasoned die-hard or just entering the sport, let our guides point you...

Grizzly Hackle’s 2021 Top Gear Picks

  Grizzly Hackle’s Top Gear Picks for 2021 We are all looking forward to 2021’s fishing season.  It has already started for us, but with a balmy high of 2 degrees today, we are looking forward to throwing big stonefly dries in about 6 weeks or so.  With 2020 in the rear view mirror and hopes of better times coming our way we can’t help but think about a great 2021 Missoula fly fishing season and what it might bring. …

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...

5 Gifts for the Dad Who Loves to Fish:
Fly Fishing Gifts

With Father's Day coming up soon (June 17th will be here before you know it!), we've collected a list of our favorite gifts for fly fisherman, so you don't have to spend hours wondering what to get Dad! Whether your dad is a seasoned fisherman, is just getting into the sport, or seems to have everything, we've picked out the perfect gift for him. Read on to see 5 Gifts for the Dad Who Loves to Fish! For The Seasoned...

5 of our Favorite Fly Tying Materials

Right now, it’s -9 outside, perfect for a blog about our favorite new fly tying materials! When it’s this cold you can’t do anything outside. It’s too cold to ski or ice fish, so we are stuck inside for now, tying flies with our new fly tying materials. If you live in Missoula, you know that during the tying season you basically only have to tie a handful of flies Chubby’s, Pat’s Rubberleg Stoneflies, San Juan Worms, Purple Haze’s, Pheasant…