Missoula One Great Fishing Town!
W
henever you break out a map and think about a home base, whether you are establishing roots or looking for a place to hang your hat, for serious fly fishermen such as us, Missoula is probably high on the wish list. Given that it lies in Montana’s “Banana Belt” region, meaning its warmer on average than most other Montana locations, and the fact that it is home to major fish producers—Clark Fork, Bitterroot, Rock Creek, the Blackfoot and Missouri—it’s no wonder it’s a popular pick! This issue, I will highlight the Clark Fork. The Clark Fork flows roughly 360 miles from
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High Country Angler • Summer 2021
by Brian La Rue
around the Montana/Idaho border, winding up in an Oregon lake. But to make this amazingly simple, I will talk about access and fishing for about 10 miles up and downriver from Missoula. My favorite spot is from Kelly Island to the 93. This is not only the area where the Bitterroot joins the party, but the Clark itself is very channeled as it flows, offering numerous side streams and channels for someone who likes to discover new haunts—which is why I have no problem telling you about my favorite access point. Upriver from Highway 93, the river flows by Missoula, offering many city park access points and fishing right in front of the many shops, hotels, and city life. You will have no problem accessing the river here, as it is no secret. Tons of fish and they are always willing. On a side note, one of my favorite memories from fishing this water was going back to the hotel when I was in town for the Orvis spring meeting. I was with a few buddies planning an evening outing when Tom Rosenbauer made his way into the lobby in full waders and boots. He walked up to say hello to us and to see what we were planning. Unknown to him, we looked at his trail of gravel and mud across the lobby floor and we all had a little chuckle. He was as surprised as we were, and we all kind of blended into the crowd after that. Back on the water, further upriver, the river joins Interstate 90 www.HCAezine.com
