It's hard to believe that another fishing season is already upon us. In just a month, spring fishing will be in full swing, and we’ll be back to casting big dry flies along the banks. Both January and February have been fantastic for our snow pack, and the long-term forecast for the end of February is shaping up to ensure a great start to the season come March. With temperatures currently rising, ice jams and lower elevation snow will begin to melt, setting the stage for an incredible spring season. This year's snow pack looks much more promising than 2024's, with the Bitterroots showing an average of 97%. March and April Skwala fishing is hands down my favorite time of the year—it’s the ideal season for the technical angler who loves casting big flies to land big fish.
Spring can be one of the best seasons to fish in Missoula, MT, but it also comes with its challenges. If temperatures stay stable, river levels stay consistent, allowing for great fishing in Missoula. If we see an increase in river flow due to melting snow, the Missouri River is a great option. Who wouldn't want to spend a day or two fishing the best tail water in the nation? Its not uncommon each spring to see a spike in water flows due to warmer temperatures. Sometimes to attain great fishing in the spring, flexibility is a must.
Temperatures can range from the low 30's to the mid 60's. A warm fire and grilled lunches on cold days are game changers when stone flies hatch later in the day. Because of the wide range of conditions in the spring, Fly Fishing in Missoula is a unique experience and one that shouldn't be overlooked. After all, when you are hooking big fish it is easy to stay warm.
Several experienced Missoula fly fishing guides still have availability this spring. Reach out to us today to book your trip, and we’ll do our best to make it a memorable one.
