Missoula Fly Fishing in April
Mild weather and prolific hatches attract anglers – both locals and travelers – to the iconic Montana fly fishing waters near Missoula in April. Spring comes early on the west side of the Continental Divide, creating prime pre-runoff conditions throughout western Montana.
The upper Clark Fork River is one of those Montana fisheries that is difficult to fish most of the summer as it warms quickly and is often dewatered by mid-season. It’s a fun one to hit for a few days during the early season.
The Bitterroot River is a dry fly angler’s paradise in March and April as mayfly, caddis, and Skwala hatches ignite.
April Highlights
- Mayfly hatches, including blue-winged olives and March Brown, are prolific throughout the region on mild, cloudy days. The Clark Fork and Bitterroot river sections near Missoula are great for a few hours of wading or full day floats.
- Early April sees the Skwala hatch in full force on the Bitterroot River. This is a premier Montana fly fishing hatch event!
- Streamer fly fishing produces trophy brown trout on the Clark Fork and Bitterroot rivers as water levels rise with low-elevation snowmelt.
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