Well it’s been quite the rollercoaster of a season for the Missoula area so far.
Our mountains hit close to average snowpack, followed by a quick warm up, and all of a sudden we were all worried about water levels by early to mid June.
While we do have some below average flows, we’ve been lucky with mild summer weather so far.
Cooler Summer Temperatures So Far
We’ve had some relief with scattered rain, cooler nights, and a few days topping out in the 60s and low 70s. Just about every week this past month has brought a solid cool down.
These breaks in the heat have helped lower water temps, improve fishing, and keep our rivers healthier.
Some stretches are still under Hoot Owl restrictions, which you can check out here.
Cloudy days have also made for some great dry fly action.
Even if there aren’t restrictions, it’s still best to fish early and be off the water before it heats up. Stick with that plan until late August, or if this cooler trend holds in western Montana.
By September, longer nights and cooler weather should mean good fishing all day again.
Grundens Waders, Footwear and Gear
The Missoulian Angler is now western Montana’s main dealer for Grundens gear—the same brand you’ve seen on shows like Deadliest Catch.
Grundens has been making rugged fishing gear since 1911. If you’ve spent time in Alaska, you’ve probably seen plenty of it.
Their waders are fairly priced and built to last. Think of them as the Carhartt of waders—tough, dependable, and made for hard use. The wading boots match that durability and have excellent grip.
We’re excited to put this gear to the test through fall, winter, and spring.
Our first orders will hit the shop in February 2026, but we’re taking customer orders now for anyone who wants to get their hands on this bulletproof gear early.
Saltwater Hosted Trips
It wouldn’t be a MAngler update without a hosted trip shoutout.
Walker is leading another crew to Christmas Island to chase Giant Trevally, Bonefish, Milkfish, Triggerfish, and more.
He knows this small atoll inside and out and has helped countless anglers get prepped for success. If you’re planning a trip there, come chat with him—he loves talking all things Christmas Island.
Taylor is also taking a small group to Espiritu Santo Bay for Permit, Tarpon, Snook, and Bonefish.
ESB sits near the Belize–Mexico border by a tiny fishing town of fewer than 100 people. It’s best known for its Permit fishery but offers incredible opportunities for plenty of other species as well.
Exploring New Water And Species
This is the time of year when many anglers start exploring beyond the big rivers.
Western Montana has hundreds of small tributaries and countless lakes.
These smaller creeks usually run cooler and can offer excellent dry fly fishing right now. Grab a map, pick a blue line, and see where it takes you—you might find great fishing with nobody around.
It’s also a good time to target other species. Montana has solid Pike, Bass, and even Carp fishing. Carp on a fly rod are a blast and surprisingly tough to catch, making them one of the most challenging species you can chase.
Fly Tying Classes
We are now taking names for our winter fly tying classes.
We offer Beginner, Intermidate and advanced classes.
No commitment needed at this point, just a sign up sheet. We will call this fall/winter with scheduling.
We have some great instructors who are excited to teach different fly tying techniques regardless of your experience level.
Come in or give us a ring to sign up for the call list.
Fall Guide Fly Fishing Trips
September offers some of the best dry fly fishing of the year
Our guided trips are starting to fill up quick, but we still have some great dates available.
BWO, Tricos, Hecubas, Mahoganys, October Caddis and Hoppers are our main hatches that time of the year.
Also, October can be just as good as September for dry flies and some of the best, if not the best streamer fishing of the year.
Many of the local anglers head to the hills and fields to hunt this time of year, which means you could have the river all to yourself during October.
Friendly reminder, the Missoulian Angler Fly Shop will not send more than 6 boats a day on our rivers, so spots fill up quick for the fall. Give us a call to book your fall fishing trip before our calendar fills up.
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