Missoula Fly Fishing Lodge: Fishing the PMD Hatch

As temperatures rise and river levels stabilize following runoff around Missoula, Montana, the guides at The Lodge at Forest Grove know it’s only a matter of time until Pale Morning Duns or PMD’s arrive. PMD’s represent Missoula's most prominent summer mayfly hatch. Occurring from late June to late July, the PMD hatch in Montana draws large fish with its remarkable intensity and consistency. The Lodge at Forest Grove offers an unforgettable guided fly fishing experience amidst the stunning scenery and renowned rivers of the Rocky Mountains. Anglers can relish plentiful opportunities to catch wild Cutthroat, Rainbow, and Brown Trout.

Achieving success during these early summer hatches demands skill, patience, and an understanding of the most effective tactics and techniques. The guides at the Lodge at Forest Grove are experienced anglers and fly fishing educators who ensure all clients are well-prepared. They pay attention to subtle signs indicating an imminent hatch and will position you perfectly to take advantage of it.

Expertise, persistence, and a mastery of the most effective tactics and techniques determine success during these summer mayfly hatches. The guides at The Lodge at Forest Grove set up their clients for success whether it’s nymphing while PMD make their way to the surface or presenting dry flies to rising trout. At The Lodge at Forest Grove, we provide guided fly fishing trips across over 300 miles of world class trout water. With convenient access to the Blackfoot River, Clark Fork River, Bitterroot River, and Rock Creek, we can carefully choose the best locations for your fly fishing experience in Missoula. Our seasoned  guides closely observe river conditions, clients experience levels and adjust their approaches to maximize your likelihood of success.

At The Lodge at Forest Grove, we make it our priority that every guest has an exceptional experience. We do this by providing luxury accommodations, gourmet food and the best guides in Montana. Whether you're looking for outstanding dining and lodging, high-quality equipment, expert advice, or a dedicated guide, we have all your needs covered. Drawing on the knowledge of local professionals, anglers can significantly improve their chances of success and fully enjoy their time on the rivers of western Montana. Whether you're casting on the Bitterroot, Blackfoot, or Clark Fork rivers, you'll create memories that will last a lifetime in this fly fishing paradise. Explore why The Lodge at Forest Grove is celebrated as Montana’s premier fly fishing destination.

Spring Fishing in Missoula Montana

Five reasons why spring might be your best shot at that fish of a lifetime.

1. The early bird gets the worm

If you’ve ever been out on the river on a sunny spring day you may have looked around and wondered… where is everybody? It is easy to find your own space this time of year and the fish have had a few months to recover and forget some of the lessons they learned last July. The first sunny weekend in March is sure to bring out some fisherman eager to wet a line but the pressure is nowhere near what you will find in the middle of July. Less pressure means the bigger fish are less likely to have had a bad experience in the days leading up to your time on the water and if you can put your fly in the right places you will have a better shot at that fish of a lifetime.

2. Timing is everything

With the days being shorter and water temps on the downhill side of 40 degrees the fish are restricted to a narrower feeding window while they take advantage of there warmer water temps produced by the mid-day sun. This means the biggest fish in the river will be feeding right during the middle of the day instead of at first and last light. This puts the odds in the favor of the fisherman.

3. The calm before the storm

Rainbow and Cutthroat trout spawn in the spring so they are starting to move out of their winter pool and make their annual pilgrimage to their spawning groups. They won’t hesitate to pounce on an easy meal while they stock up for their long journey that awaits them. This means fishing big bugs for big fish. Who doesn’t love that? Stoneflies and Streamers are great choices this time of year as they provide a big meal that will help the fish load up on energy as the prepare for spring runoff.

4. Location, location, location

The water is typically low and clear this time of year and with the reduced water temps the fish are somewhat restricted in where they can hold. This limits the water that we have to cover in search of fish. When you find one fish you generally find a bunch, it is not uncommon to catch 5-10 fish out of a hole this time of year. Like bass, it is possible to get the “school” fired up and you can get into some great action without having to cover a lot of water.

5. The proof is in the pudding

If you look at the photos or ask your guide when there favorite time to fish is 9 times out of 10 you will get the same answer… March & April. The weather can be unpredictable and you won’t be fishing in flip flops but for the serious angler there is no better time to be on the water. Our guides go the extra mile to make sure you are as comfortable as possible so you can go out there and swing for the fences!