Missoula Fly Fishing Trips for July and August | Missoula Fly Water | Sheep Creek Mine
Missoula fly fishing trips in July kicked off with a bang, as fish were eagerly keying on PMDs on the Lower Clark Fork. New clients Eric and Dave took full advantage, putting together three fantastic days on the Bitterroot and Clark Fork. After our first day on the water, it was clear that we had assembled the A-team and there was no breaking us up for the rest of the trip.
As the first week of July came to a close, the heat began to settle in. By mid-July, I started my summer vacation, taking some time off until the second week of August. Good for me and even better for the fish!
Molly and I were fortunate enough to be invited on a Middle Fork of the Salmon River float trip in Idaho, and it turned out to be quite the adventure. With the river sitting at just 1.7 feet for the first 20 miles, the rowing was technical and challenging.
As soon as you launch at Boundary Creek, a nice little Class III rapid is waiting just around the corner. From there, the rapids come frequently, with shallow riffles and plenty of exposed rocks in between that require constant attention. The only way I can describe it is combat rowing.
When we reached Hell's Half Mile, the river's one true Class IV rapid at these flows, we stopped to scout. It quickly became obvious why this rapid gives people trouble. Two wrap rocks create the main obstacles, leaving a pretty narrow margin for error. I made it through cleanly, although I did manage to bounce off the bottom rock for good measure.
My neighbor Jake wasn't quite as fortunate. He ended up pinned against the last rock for three hours before finally getting freed. Needless to say, it made for a memorable first 20 miles!
After rigging up a z-drag for mechanical advantage, it took 150 feet of rope with 13 people pulling all at once to break it free. Needless to say it wasn't an easy day. We left at 7am and got into camp at 8pm absolutely roasted. After the first 20 miles though the next 6 days were easy fun with lots of swimming, fishing, and great food.
After a great summer break of running, rafting, and mountain biking I was back at it on the middle Bitterroot hunting big fish on hoppers and tricos. Fishing is very spot specific right now with low flows and bright sun. We found some excellent runs holding quality fish on tricos.
Pictured at the very top is Sarah with her first ever trout on a fly rod measuring 22.5 inches. An impressive start to a promising fishing career.
The lower Clark Fork was also productive early in the morning before water temps creeped back up into the high 60's. We switched to pike during that time which offered up some explosive streamer kills.
As the nights continue to get longer the water temperatures and fishing will continue to improve. My fall fishing in Missoula is only a few weeks away from ending as giant redfish in Louisiana await. We will continue to run trips in Missoula as plenty of great guides are available during September and October. As for me, my next fishing report will be from the ocean with no boats in sight and a quiet marina each morning.
A Quick Note on the Bitterroot: The proposed Sheep Creek Mine in the headwaters of the Bitterroot River is a project that should concern anyone who cares about the future of this incredible watershed. Placing a mine in such a sensitive area carries the potential for significant and lasting impacts to water quality, fish habitat, wildlife, and the Bitterroot River downstream. Once these resources are damaged, they can be extremely difficult, if not impossible to restore. If you’ve ever fished the Bitterroot with me, enjoyed its incredible trout, or taken in the wildlife that calls this river home, I encourage you to learn more about the proposal and consider submitting a public comment in opposition to the project. The Bitterroot is too valuable a resource to put at unnecessary risk. The period for public commenting ends on September 12th. Here is the link to submit your comment - https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?Project=370721
