When Lewis and Clark came upon Traveler’s Rest, they were awed by the beauty of the Bitterroot valley. But they added a lot of miles to their journey because they found no Salmon smolt in Missoula’s four unique rivers. They didn’t know about the natural falls in Pondereille, Idaho that block the migration of the Pacific Salmon this far inland.

Those four rivers, The Big Blackfoot, Rock Creek, the Bitterroot and the Clark Fork form the backbone of Missoula’s magnificent fly fishing community.

• A River Runs Through It was written about the majestic Blackfoot, cascading down from the high mountains to form a river with giant boulders, deep ledges and the biggest fish in the area.
• Rock Creek is a Blue Ribbon trout stream, boasting over 3,000 trout per mile!
• The Bitterroot River has the most varied hatches,  and offers some of the best dry fly fishing you can find in Montana from March through November.
• The Clark Fork is over 200 miles long, and has unique characteristics along its entire length.

And in the middle of these waterways, you’ll find the Missoulian Angler, Missoula’s oldest fly shop. We haven’t lasted this long because we don’t know the area! Our staff has more than 100 years of experience in the fly fishing industry, and we help everyone from first time fly fishers to those with a lifetime’s experience. We have the knowledge base to get you on the eater catching fish, no matter your skill level — 35 years in business will do that. And don’t take our word for it, check out the Google reviews – you’re going to find a lot of happy customers!

We’ve been outfitting on Missoula’s rivers for as long as we’ve been in business. We employ the best guides in town, and they will put you onto fish on any river in Missoula. If you simply want to experience the quintessential fly fishing experience and float with an amazing guide, we can supply everything you need except a positive attitude! If you already fish, and want to broaden your exposure to the best fly fishing in the world, our guides will impress you with their fishing skills and knowledge of the outdoors.

The Missoulian Angler is old school when it comes to fly fishing. We have the areas largest fly selection by far, as well as everything you need to get on the water, ready to face the day. We stock the best brands, including Simms and Winston- both Montana fly fishing companies. Our fly tying supplies are extensive and tuned into the area and the world. Our staff can get you ready for a day on the water in Missoula or a week in the Bahamas or Christmas Island. If you’re traveling light, we rent rods, reels and waders so all you need to bring is your vest. Don’t have the tackle yet? We’ll get you outfitted with what you need at the best prices in town.

As you travel through Missoula and the state of Montana, you’re in country people travel to from all over the world to fly fish. We have the best jobs in the state, working in the fly fishing industry. We come to work excited every day, knowing we get to send people onto water most only dream of. Let us help you find out what fly fishing in Missoula is all about!