Stable flows and warming water temperatures under the long, sun-filled Montana sky slowly reduce the quality of the Missouri angling experience through July.
Recreational floaters flock to the river to enjoy the scenery and warm, gentle summer flows. Aquatic vegetation flourishes under the endless hours of solar energy.
Fishing conditions tend to favor expert anglers, as novices sometimes struggle with the copious floating weeds and the discerning eyes of the wary summertime trout of the “Mo.”
July is prime time for the freestone rivers around the towns of Bozeman, Missoula, and Dillon. Many anglers head to these areas in July, as they offer a more diverse Montana fly fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.
Tricos become the primary hatch. These tiny mayflies bring pods of trout to the surface during the early morning hours before the hordes of floaters find their way to the river. Grasshoppers and nocturnal stoneflies become important food sources for the trout in the canyon sections.
Early risers are rewarded with…risers. By dawn, trout will be feasting on trico spinners, and then sporadically rising to caddis or PMDs throughout the day. Twitching large attractor dries in the canyon sections can provide a break from the summertime monotony of nymphing below Holter Dam.
Rising trout can be a rewarding challenge for the experienced Missouri River dry fly angler in July. Fish long leaders with delicate tippets and small flies to fool these highly educated fish.
Our guide service focuses on other waters in July. Fishing on the rivers near Bozeman peaks in mid-July, as summer hatches flourish and flows reach ideal levels.
Contact Us for a referral to some of our friends in the Missouri River fly fishing community for July fishing near Craig, Montana. We do travel throughout the state during July on our custom Montana fly fishing trips and can add a day on the Missouri River to these itineraries upon request.
The Headwaters to Townsend stretch of the river starts to fish well for carp by mid-July. Although not for everybody, fly fishing for these highly intelligent fish is a remarkably rewarding challenge for skilled anglers. Ask us about adding a day of Missouri River fishing for carp on the fly to your Bozeman fly fishing trip in July.
Guided fly fishing trips in Montana can be secured online, via e-mail, or by calling us at 1-406-468-5019.