Stable flows and warming water temperatures under the long, sun-filled Montana sky slowly reduce the angling experience on the Missouri 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 summertime sun.
Although fishing conditions continue to favor the expert angler, novice anglers struggle with the increasingly challenging conditions and wary, summertime trout of the “Mo.”
July is prime time for the freestone rivers around the Montana fishing 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 hatching insect, bringing pods of rising trout to the surface during the morning hours before the hordes of floaters find their way to the river. Grasshoppers and nocturnal Golden Stones become important food sources for the trout in the canyon sections.
Early morning fly fishing sessions, while twitching large attractor dries in the canyon sections, can provide a break from the summertime monotony of nymphing below Holter Dam.
Rising Trout are wary and 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 our effort on other waters around the state in July. Fly fishing Montana reaches its peak in mid-July on the rivers near Bozeman as summer hatches flourish and water levels come into ideal shape.
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 Montana fish is a remarkably rewarding challenge for even the most skilled angler. 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.