Missoula River Lodge

THE FISHING

One of the major strengths to fishing from the Missoula River Lodge is number of quality Bluer Ribbon trout streams that can be accessed from the lodge. Some of the best rivers in the state are considered home waters from the lodge and there are descriptions below on some of the best river options.

Bitterroot River: or as the Missoula River Lodge fly fishing guides call it “The Root”, is a river of three different worlds. It begins deep in the Bitterroot range of the Rocky Mountains and runs north through Montana’s Bitterroot valley bracketed by the Sapphire Range to the east and empties itself at Maclay Flats in Missoula into the Lower Clark Fork River. The Upper Bitterroot River’s cutthroat trout are a willing group that rewards the beginning angler with short casts, easily seen flies, and a species that is programmed to eat dry flies.

Clark Fork River: 160 Miles of Wild Montana Trout! The Headwaters of the Clark Fork River start where Warm Springs Creek meets Silverbow Creek near Anaconda Montana 90 miles upstream from Missoula Montana. It flows to the West and gathers the rich waters of the Rock Creek, Blackfoot River, and Bitterroot River. It begins as a wade fly fishing only size river in the upper reaches but quickly turns into a meandering brown trout fishery that presents a tight arena of willows, meadows, and deep undercut banks floated primarily by our rafts on guided float trips. By the time it gets to Missoula Montana it has gathered all its water and becomes a large western river with slow gliding currents populated by primarily adult rainbows. It is an intimate classic brown trout stream with all its quirks of loving the streamer and the hopper in its upper reaches.

Blackfoot River: is a gin clear river that, like the Upper Bitterroot river, is a native West Slope Cutthroat factory. It is also the home of the endangered Lake Ponderay bull trout. These Bulls are the largest fish in the state, and not a bull trout but actually a char. The top end of the species is pushing 40 inches and weigh well over 15 lbs.

Rock Creek: rises deep in the Pintlar range of the Rocky Mountains and runs north for 65 miles through the Rock Creek valley and LoLo National Forest paralleling the Bitterroot River to the west cutting through the east side of the Sapphire Mountain range. Per square inch Rock Creek is the richest drainage in Montana and provides great Rock Creek fly fishing opportunities. The cornocupia of minerals is what drives an incredible array of super charged hatches to an equally dense fish population

Missouri River: is a very good option and safety net during the uncertain runoff conditions the Missoula area can be dealing with in June. The early spring streamer fishing, along with the thick midge and prolific march brown hatches in April, can easily make this destination a primary objective.

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT

This destination operates strictly with drift boats.

GETTING THERE

Guests fly into Missoula International where a Slipstream Angling rep. will be waiting for you for your transfer to the Missoula River Lodge, to start your week of fishing. On the day of your departure, you will be transferred back to the Missoula International airport to make your departing flight back home.

Slipstream is a full-service travel company that can handle a variety of services relating to your trip. For assistance, please contact us directly at 1 866 644-7703.

RATES FOR 2023

7 nights/6 days: $4,400 USD per person*

6 nights/5days: $4,050 USD per person*

5 nights/4 days: $3,515 USD per person*

4 nights/3 days: $2,875 USD per person*

3 nights/2 days: $2,195 USD per person*

*Rates are based on single room occupancy, double occupancy guided fishing

Please contact our office for single guide pricing