Unique May in Missoula
Here in Missoula we’re rolling into May with our local rivers still in shape. We had a great spring season, with a prolific March brown hatch, and mild temperatures allowed us to ride the gradual bumps in flows along the way. Thankfully the errant warm sunny days were always followed by cool overcast days immediately after, which caused the rivers to turn over and drop back into shape in quick fashion.
Anytime our water holds in shape this long the Clark Fork is the place to be. Once the hatches make their way down to the lower Clark Fork we see bugs at a 10x factor because of the habitat on the Clark Fork. This past week we have been primarily fishing March browns and blue wing olives, with a unique combination of both size and numbers to the net. These conditions don’t come around every year, and the guides are out enjoying the fun of the perhaps once in a decade spring.
As we work our way further into May we will see how our water shakes out. There’s a sneaking suspicion amongst the team that we may make it through the month without experiencing the full-blown month-long runoff conditions we are used to. We’ll be over on the Missouri if we do blow out, and fully expect to be back here fishing locally in late May or early June. We do have last minute availability for anyone interested in May dry fly fishing in Missoula.
We’d love to share our water with you this May or later in the season!
406.880.0542 | [email protected]
Summer 2024 Season
We still have availbility throughout the summer season and would love to put together a trip for you. Whether it’s a day trip, hotel based package, or all inclusive stay at the lodge we’re happy to build the custom package that works best for you!
All Inclusive Package:
Our Premiere All Inclusive Lodge package is designed for our clients to “just show up and enjoy Montana.” Lodge staff will provide shuttles to and from Missoula International Airport (MSO) and check you into Missoula River Lodge. Our Lodge property is one hundred acres on the Clark Fork river with over a mile of private fishing access.
We follow a true farm to table dining program, so our chefs shop daily to provide fresh and local fare for our guests. Meals are served with paired wines and local craft beers.
Guides will pick you up at the lodge each morning after breakfast for fishing on the Bitterroot, Blackfoot, or Clark Fork River.
Hotel Package:
The Staybridge Suites provides complimentary airport shuttles and breakfast. The guide will pick you up at the hotel and provide a shore side lunch. All flies and tippet along with the use of our boat rods and reels are provided as part of the package. There are several restaurants within walking distance of the hotel, as well as local transportation such as Uber, if you’d prefer to not rent a car.
Daily Float Trip:
If you would like to book your own lodging the guide will pick you up at a convenient location based on your lodging and provide a shore side lunch. All flies and tippet along with the use of our boat rods and reels are provided as part of the package. Our full day float trips are $650 per guide day.
Great June Dates Available
Interested in targerting the salmonfly hatch?
June is the month of the big bugs and we look forward to the fabled hatches of salmonflies, green drakes, and golden stones. With our current conditions we expect this June to have all the benefits of the usual hatches without the high water gamble. Give us a call to get on the calendar!
Welcome MRL Guide Kyler Tingey
We are excited to announce Kyler Tingey as the latest addition to team MRL. Many of you have already spent time on the water with him this spring. Learn more about him and enjoy the video above by Macki Cummings!
