Tough Start To Montana Summer Fly Fishing

Missoula experienced well below average snowpack and some early hot summer days starting in July. This combo of conditions created a tough early summer for the fish and the angler with low water levels and high water temperatures.

Hoot Owl Restrictions were implemented in the first half of July and still currently on as of this writing on 8/11, but we expect this to be lifted in the next few weeks with improving conditions and cooling water temperatures.

Surprising August Weather Improves River Quality

Because August weather is typically hot and dry, many of us in Missoula were dreading the warmer temps after an already warm July and low water. That thought process has changed with the unexpected cooler August temperatures and recent rain events.

We’ve had some great weather for August so far and the future forecast looks like it’s just going to get better with highs in the 70’s on some days and lower 80’s.

We’ve also experienced more than average rain during the first few weeks of August which has improved flows and water temps.

Hoot Owl is still in effect as of today on the Blackfoot, Bitterroot, Clark Fork and Rock Creek, but we expect those restrictions to be lifted in the next couple weeks with the current trend of cooler nights and cooler days.

Predictions For The Rest Of Summer and Fall

As the nights become longer throughout August and future weather forecasts looking cooler, it’s shaping up to be a good last few weeks of August.

The Current cloudy and cooler weather forecast is exactly what the doctor ordered for our streams and the fishing moving forward for the rest of the summer.

As stated before we expect hoot owl restrictions to be lifted in the next couple weeks, with a few stretches of rivers around Montana have already been lifted.

Not only should the rest of August fish good if the weather forecast stays true, the fall fishing should be great as usual.

Some of the best fishing in Montana is during the months of September and October, and this year should be no different.

Conclusion

What was expected to be a long brutally hot summer has turned into much better than expected August. The current weather and water temperature trend is getting people excited again to go fish, and we can’t blame them. With water temps getting into the 50’s already on certain stretches, it’s panning out to be a good rest of august and an even better Fall. For those folks who opted to change their fishing trips from late July and early August to September and October, you made the right call as this fall should be great as usual.

Check out our current fishing report here.