Missouri River Fly Fishing in July
Stable flows and warming water temperatures under the long, sun-filled Montana sky slowly reduce the quality of the Missouri River 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 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.
July Fly Fishing Hatches on the Missouri River
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 below the mouth of Dearborn River.
Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide Pro-Tip:
Plan to get on the water at dawn after the middle of July to take advantage of the best hours to fly fish under the summer sun. Trico duns emerge very ealry in the morning, followed by the spinner fall a few hours later. Exepct rising trout as you fish the trico hatch through late morning. Spinner patterns are out "go-to" dry flies once the sun gets up in the sky this time of year.
Missouri River Fly Fishing Techniques in July
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 Missouri River Fly Box for July
Missouri River Fly Fishing Trips in July
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.
