Missoula Fly Water | Spring Fishing is here!

Another spring has arrived, and it kicked off with some incredible dry fly fishing. I can’t remember another March 5th when I was able to fish a dry fly from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., with big fish consistently rising throughout the day on the Bitterroot. A stretch of warm weather at the end of February triggered the Skwala hatch earlier than expected, signaling the start of the season.

I had the chance to guide my neighbor Jake for the day, just the two of us, and we were pleasantly surprised to land eight or nine quality rainbows within the first mile of our float.

Skwala fishing can be deceptive if you’re not in the right water. It isn’t a blanket hatch, and the fish feeding this early in the season tend to hold in very specific seams with just the right speed. Often they’re isolated to a single spot along the bank. Success takes patience and long deliberate drifts.

I was also excited to take the maiden voyage in a new Adipose drift boat. After dealing with some issues related to their resin infused hulls over the past couple of years, they’ve clearly worked out the kinks and, in my opinion, are back to building the best boats in the industry. At one point I banged a rock coming off a ledge and was certain I’d chipped the gel coat but it didn’t even leave a scratch.

Another upgrade that’s been a real game changer is the electric winch. At the end of a long day, it feels like a gift. I told myself that turning 40 meant I was allowed to have an electric winch but the electric anchor system will have to wait until 50.

After watching me row most of the day, Jake decided he wanted to see what rowing the new boat was all about. That gave me the rare chance to actually fish and I went 4 for 4 on big browns. At that point I figured I should probably call it a season… quit while I’m ahead and get back to work.

This coming week looks like it could be a tough stretch for fishing, with colder temperatures and plenty of rain and snow in the forecast. That said, it should be great for the river and the overall health of the season ahead. Looking further out, the long-range forecast from March 15 on is calling for temperatures in the 50s with cloud cover and some precipitation, ideal conditions for targeting big fish on the Bitterroot River.

I still have a few open days personally between March 15 and the 20th before things really start to ramp up. If you’re already booked this spring, I’m really looking forward to our time on the water. See you soon.