Fishing Report, July 24

Mid-summer fly fishing in Northwest Montana is in full swing. Warm, sunny weather has settled over the region, pushing water temperatures up slightly on the lower reaches of major drainages and making the early morning to mid-day window prime time for dry fly action. Water clarity across all major systems is crystal clear, making sight-casting and bank-slapping terrestrials exceptionally productive.

Hoppers, ants, and beetles are now front and center, alongside of PMDs and caddis. Focus your efforts on deep structure, shaded banklines, and fast, oxygenated riffles where trout concentrate to feed during warmer afternoons.

Fishing Report, July 23

Fishing Report, Whitefish

Fishing Report, WhitefishFlathead River (Whitefish)

  • Status: Open | Flow: ~8,000 CFS | Temp: 59°F

  • Flathead River: Running clear and cold with excellent dry fly fishing from first light through late afternoon. Large Chubbies, Tan Caddis, and Purple Hazes are on the diet.

  • Tactics: Double-dry rigs or a short Chubby-with-dropper setup (using a size 14-16 Pheasant Tail or Prince Nymph) are pounding the banks. Focus on seamlines and drop-offs where main currents slow down.

Fishing Report, Kalispell

If you’re basing your trip out of Kalispell, you are sitting in the ultimate launchpad for Northwest Montana angling. The Flathead River flows right through our backyard, offering quick, convenient access for local trips. If you’re up for a short, scenic drive under two hours, both the Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers sit right within striking distance. Making the easy run to these neighboring systems pays huge dividends—they consistently yield more fish and noticeably bigger trout, giving you a prime shot at landing heavy rainbows and aggressive cutbows on dry flies.

Blackfoot RiverBlackfoot River

  • Status: Open | Flow: ~1,200 CFS | Temp: 65°F

  • Canyon & Middle Reaches: Low, clear water means fish are sitting in oxygen-rich pocket water, plunge pools, and shaded canyon walls. Foam hoppers and nocturnal stonefly imitations in the morning are where it’s at.

  • Tactics: get a drift and go out early. Be off the water well before 2:00. Down River is typically better than behind the boat.

Clark Fork RiverClark Fork River

  • Status: Open | Flow: ~3,400 CFS | Temp: 66°F

  • Missoula to Lower River: Solid morning dry fly fishing with PMDs or your favorite Parachute Adams. Then switching over to terrestrials as the day warms up. Focus on deep slots, foam eddies, and riffle heads.

  • Tactics: get a drift and go out early. Be off the water well before 2:00. Downriver is typically better than behind the boat.

Guided Trips 

Guided Trips Top-Notch Customer Service, Everywhere

Our professional outfitting team brings decades of local experience, top-tier drift boats, and premium gear to ensure every moment on the water is seamless, safe, and productive. Whether we’re floating technical freestone rivers or targeting secluded wade spots, we handle every detail so you can focus on fishing.

100% Beginner & Family Friendly

You don’t need years of fly casting experience to have a world-class day on Montana waters. Our patient, experienced guides love teaching anglers of all skill levels—from first-timers and kids learning the basics to seasoned anglers hunting trophy trout. We supply all rods, reels, flies, and safety gear needed for a memorable trip.

The Montana Fishing Guides Promise: We provide authentic, professional, and unforgettable Montana angling experiences tailored to your goals, with safety, expert instruction, and pristine water stewardship at the core of every trip.

Our phone is on 24/7—call 406-233-9001 to book your next trip with the crew!

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