Fly fishing in Missoula is not just a pastime; it's a breathtaking adventure in the beauty of Montana's landscapes. Whether you are just starting out or you're a seasoned angler, having the right gear is vital for a fruitful fishing trip. In this guide, we will explore essential fly fishing gear, offer tips for selecting equipment based on specific fishing scenarios, and provide useful advice for maintaining your gear.
Selecting the Right Fly Rod
Choosing the right fly rod can be a daunting task with so many options available. The best way to select your rod is by considering your fishing environment and personal style.
Length: For larger rivers, a standard length 9 foot rod enables longer casts and improves line control. In contrast, a shorter rod (7-8 feet) is better for smaller streams, offering more maneuverability. We recommend a 9 foot rod for all of our guided fly fishing trips in Missoula.
Weight: Rod weights range from 0wt to 12wt. A 5 or 6wt rod is ideal for Missoula fly fishing, effectively handling various fish sizes and casting situations. If you aim to catch larger species like Northern Pike or the stout Missoula trout on a streamer, consider a 7wt rod, which provides a little more power.
Material: Fly rods are typically made from graphite or fiberglass. Graphite rods are lighter and provide a faster action, making them a favorite among most anglers. For those new looking for a slow action feel to fish smaller streams with smaller fish, fiberglass rods may offer a more enjoyable experience. We do not recommend a fiberglass rod for longer casts out of a drift boat.
Choosing the Right Fly Reel
The fly reel is essential for a successful day of angling and should be chosen with care. These days there are plenty of options for great reels at a great price. Echo and Redington offer reels under $100 that will do everything you need for trout fishing. If you prefer to pay more for fancier smoother drags, Abel, Galvan, and Nautilus are among the best.
Size and Weight: Match the reel weight to the rod weight. If you are using a 5wt rod, a 5wt reel usually provides the correct weight balance in the handle for casting.
Drag System: A smooth drag system is crucial for bigger fish that take line. When we guide the Missouri River, fish peel line off the reel all day. A good drag allows you to manage the pressure when a fish takes your line. Look for reels known for reliable drag systems, like the Abel or Orvis models, which can withstand challenging fishing conditions.
Durability: Your reel should be tough enough to handle the elements. Machine sealed drag systems are the standard now. Abel cork drags are nice but when they need to be disassembled on the river, it can be frustrating. Dropping one little screw will end your fishing day. Even though Missoula fly fishing guides carry spares, its a bummer when you can't fish your favorite reel.
Selecting Fly Lines
Selecting the right fly line can greatly enhance your fishing experience.
Weight Forward vs. Double Taper: Weight forward (WF) lines are the most common for trout fishing, especially for making long casts and delivering larger flies. Double taper lines are best for delicate presentations, particularly in smaller streams. They also allow for the advantage of using the back half of the line when the front half is sun cracked and starts to sink.
Floating vs. Sinking Lines: In Missoula, our fly fishing guides use floating lines for dry fly fishing, hopper dropper, and nymphing. The only time we use a sinking line is streamer fishing and even then we still use a floating line in most situations. Investing in both types increases your chances of adapting to different fishing scenarios.
Line Thickness: The thickness of your line affects casting and presentation. Over weighting your 5 weight rod with a 6 weight line can help roll over the cast easier. Making this setup a great combination for beginners or when casting bigger flies in the wind.
The Best Flies for Missoula
Your choice of flies is critical for attracting fish on the water. This is where the expertise from a Missoula fly fishing guide is greatly beneficial.
Dry Flies: Fly Fishing in Missoula offers an array of hatches throughout the year. Each mini season offers a different species of stone fly that trout eagerly await. There is also an abundance of mayflies in various sizes that our trout will key on.
Nymphs: Stone flies are in our river systems all 12 months of the year making this a great pattern that fish key on. From April to October they will also focus in on mayfly nymphs such as Baetis, March Browns, PMDs, Mahogany's, and Hecubas.
Streamers: Fishing streamers can provoke aggressive strikes from behind structure making Missoula rivers the perfect place for the dedicated streamer angler to chase the big one.
Caring for Your Fly Fishing Gear
Proper care and maintenance can extend the life of your gear significantly.
Cleaning: After each fishing trip, rinse your rod and reel with fresh water to eliminate dirt and debris. This simple step can prolong the life of your equipment by years.
Storage: Use protective rod sleeves and reel covers for storage. Avoid keeping them in direct sunlight or extreme heat, which can damage the materials over time.
Line Management: Regularly check your fishing line for nicks or wear. The average life of a fly line is said to be 90 fishing days. Treating them with fly line floatant before a fishing trip prevents the line from sinking so it can be mended. Many trout are lost on perfect hook sets where the line is sinking. A sinking line doesnt provide for a quick direct connection to the fish.
Final Thoughts
Having the right fly fishing gear tailored to Missoula's rivers can significantly enhance your fishing experience. Thoughtful selection of rods, reels, lines, paired with diligent care, ensures that you are well-prepared for a successful day on the water. Fly fishing guides in Missoula can provide a ton of recommendations and offer a unique perspective on what they enjoy fishing with. If you choose to book a trip with Missoula Fly Water, we will be sure to help you select everything you need for your trip to be successful. If gear isn't important to you, all of our guides come prepared with equipment for everyone.