August Fishing Report | Book a Missoula Fly Fishing Guide with Missoula Fly Water

Bent rods before hot afternoon sun.

With water levels running lower than usual, the late afternoon thunderstorms in late July and early August have provided much-needed relief, cooling water temperatures and adding a slight boost in flow. As we move into the latter part of August, longer nights will also contribute to cooler water, signaling a potential turning point for the system.

Right now, holding spots are highly specific, precision is key, you need to make every cast count. Trico spinners have been thick in the mid-mornings, creating opportunities to connect with quality fish. If you're into technical dry fly fishing, trico hatches offer an excellent challenge.

Still, tricos aren’t the only option. When trout fishing slows down, targeting Northern Pike with streamers can be a rewarding and exciting alternative.

In August, when water temperatures run higher, the small details make a big difference in trout survival. A few days ago, I took a temperature reading on the Bitterroot; 62°F in the main current at 11 a.m., but low 70s near the bank in slower water. That gap matters. Where you catch and land trout directly impacts their chances of survival.

The last thing we want is to see fish being released into slow, warm water, only to struggle and drift off. That same fish has a much better shot if landed quickly and revived in fast, oxygen-rich current.

With some quality fish being caught right now, it's also important to be mindful about photos. Prolonged handling can significantly reduce survival. If a Missoula fly fishing guide says "no pic on this one", trust them. Snap a quick pic while the fish is still in the net, then get it back into the current as quickly as possible. No one wants to see a quality fish go belly-up a few minutes later just for a photo.

Enjoy the resource, but be intentional, especially as we continue to face summers marked by lower than average flows. The fish need us to fish smart.

As fall approaches and temperatures begin to drop, it’s not just the trout around Missoula that start to perk up, other species get more active too. I’ll be heading south in early October to kick off my red fish season, and I’m looking forward to watching anglers take on these powerful fish listed in the photos below.

I still have a few last-minute openings and would love to have you in the boat before the calendar fills up. While I’ll be guiding saltwater trips from October through mid-December, there are still plenty of experienced Missoula fly fishing guides with late-season availability who are eager to be on the water.

Whether your next adventure is on the river or the flats, give us a call, we’ll make sure you’re fishing in the right place at the right time.

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