Is Montana "ran through"? Summer in the famous fly fishing town

Like many desperate fly over anglers, a trip this direction was nothing but a bucket list item, no more than a retirement pipe dream, a last chance before you die trip to experience the “land of shining mountains”. As if a wish was finally granted from years of boyhood day dreaming, A naturally inviting opportunity arose a bit sooner than expected.. and I had a choice to make. Should I spend my entire summer fishing the famous watersheds in and around Missoula Montana? Well.. Let me ask you, what would you do if you had that chance? Without further hesitation I packed up my bags and dove right in.
To any angler, the pure potential of Montana is enough to overwhelm the senses. Most of these systems stretch on forever and you could drown yourself in a sea of maps trying to track down that perfect bite. When the angling possibilities are nearly endless, differentiating opportunities is by no means an easy task.This summer was long, and a lot transpired. The best way to encapsulate my time in this special place while maintaining some form of structure would be to break it down by chapter
Chapter one will be a brief look at the mostly overlooked blue lines snaking through every drainage. Next will be a look at the many and mighty roadside rivers that converge within Missoulas city limits. Now it wouldn’t be summer without a trip to the alpine, So chapter three will be a peek at the lonely blue dots smattered among the many towering peaks. Finally I will focus on the seldom seen backcountry options deep in the heart of the wilderness.
Searching high and Low and I mean Lolo, this video will pass over the lakes rivers and streams spanning from the bitterroot, to the clarks fork, and especially the Blackfoot drainage. This is by no means a comprehensive breakdown of everything Montana and subsequently Missoula has to offer, in reality I barely scratched the surface of this behemoth angling iceberg.
I’m going to do my best to recount each of these adventures and how it shaped the overall narrative of my summer in one of the trout fishing capitals of the world. I hope you enjoy the views as much as I did and maybe learn a thing or two about Montana along the way.
References:
Chapter 1: Streams 5:18
Chapter 2: Rivers 13:03
Chapter 3: Lakes 45:55
Chapter 4: Backcountry 1:03:03
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[@kevinpaddlety-jj5mg]

Oh !!! A river still runs through 😉👍🏾🎣🦬” Missoula “ 🎣😉👍🏾

[@KokoBlackFoot]

I was depressed for a long time and I looked useless and bad. This music helps me relieve fatigue and stress. Thanks for sharing. Whoever is reading this comment, I wish you success, health, love and happiness!

[@Duschbag]

I'm a Bass Fisherman used to heavy tackle, big ass lures and at times, Braid as heavy as 80lb test. Yet I watched and enjoyed every single moment of this video. I've fished some beautiful waters in Quebec for Smallmouth but even they cannot hold a candle to the striking colors of those Trout. You are a genuine Storyteller and I found your words very relaxing. Thank you for making me stop and listen.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Wow! That is awesome to hear! I am so glad you enjoyed this video.

[@_FisherOfMen_]

i wish i had dreams comparable to watching projects like this man…

[@bradmizzou]

Hey man, what happened to the discord? I logged in today to check it and noticed it was gone.

[@americansuperOG]

Killer video as always Mike, I’m a Kansas boy living up in MT now. Both the north fork and the big Blackfoot are my two favorite streams up here so it was awesome to see them from your POV. Just happy to see that my favorite access point wasn’t in this video haha. Keep up the awesome work and looking forward to see what trips are on the docket for this year!

[@insomniachedgefundguy]

Dude, you’re an artist.

[@SamTheFisherman]

Every time I see you post I have to set a time in the day to watch its great

[@FLYALLSZN]

Hell yeah thank you!!

[@alsyoutube]

Nothing beats Montana. Awesome stuff!

[@BeyerOutdoors]

That looks like a good time. I've never been to Montana, but I hope to someday. I hope to go fishing in a lot of states. But yeah, it looks like you guys had fun. P.S. Again, if you'd like to be a guest speaker at one of our fly fishing organization's meetings, we'd be happy to have you.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!! Toss me a message on instagram and I’m sure we can work something out!

[@robw9730]

I see a new Fly All Szn video, I click.

[@zachcragoe]

Who knew 2 hours of Midtana was what I needed today. Another great one, Mike!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Hell yeah brother! Thank you so much!

[@Grayskiesproduction]

Really enjoyed this video. I lived in Missoula recently for 2 years and spent the better part of a decade every summer fly fishing there. Don't be discouraged with how some of the fishing went. I spent a month last summer/fall with a friend who never fished the state and his expectations were so high he was initially disappointed in the fishing. Once we ventured away from the big rivers and local bodies of water did he really get the Montana fly fishing experience. He was blown away at how good the hard to reach places were. Shoot me a message and I can spill some of my secret spots I found over the years.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Hell yeah!! I am glad I wasnt the only one who had that experience

[@garrettweston767]

I recently moved to Missoula from Michigan for work. Could use some pointers been tough going for me getting into fly fishing.

[@kevindau6235]

I’m in the same boat man… moving there in August. We could figure it out together haha

[@Grayskiesproduction]

@@garrettweston767 I would stay away from the big rivers if you are new to fly fishing or just trying to figure things out. Buy a 3 or 5wt and hit up some small streams in the mountains. Small but abundant eager trout are not picky and it's a good way to catch alot of fish and see what works best for you. Any creek draining from the bitterroot/selway is a good place.

[@garyrafferty7625]

@@garrettweston767 two areas to focus this summer after runoff: 1. West and East Forks of Rock Creek (google west fork rock creek cabin, Skalkaho Rd East) ...usually good hopper-dropper fishing in July... then again after Labor Day. 2. East and West Forks of the Bitterroot River and their tribs (youtube search both these rivers... lots of good videos). These are LONG day trips from Missoula... you'll have a better experience, and catch more fish, if you can spend a few nights at these locations. Remember to access these rivers at bridges and other public access sites... then wade as far as you want into private land (provided you stay below the high water mark). Blessings, Gary R

[@d20plusmodifier]

You’re a poet, dude. Thanks for all your hard work and effort getting camera equipment in and out of these wild places. Your care really shows.

[@zahc2069]

Is Montana “ran thru” a poet

[@garyrafferty7625]

Great summary of fly fishing the Missoula Area. So many waters ... so little time. Any sign of Grizzly on the Blackfoot?

[@FLYALLSZN]

I didnt see any!

[@kebmo6630]

Wow, you've great some great videos here and there, ill give ya that. But listening to your overwhelming ambient views of my state while trying to tie in your fav John McClain quotes, is just too much. I'm sure if you were filming here currently, you'd be quoting your fav Yellowstone lines, while fishing off the back of your $250000 quarter horse. Keep filming homie, it's great, just learn when you need to STFU. Tight lines buddy

[@garyrafferty7625]

Another well produced and narrated film... thank you. Those looked like (silvery) West Slope Cutts in the Siamese Lakes. But were there some Yellowstone Cutts in the other lake (56:00 - 58:00)?

[@MrMonkey9911]

Told ya I was all in. Great production quality. That's a lot of work. Way to capture and share an awesome trip.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!!

[@kevinpaddlety-jj5mg]

30”+ size bulls on the north fork of the blackfoot. had my fly line broken several times and landed a 36” . I wasn’t fishing for them it happens

[@milenas2418]

Dude you were so close to British Columbia, elk river here is 100s miles and beautiful fishing you could easily spent weeks here Fernie BC is huge fly fishing

[@PaulN-x2q]

I wish they had beaver here. In my fishing holes. But, the wolf, and the bear (plural) and the mountain lion, bobcat, and coyote, well snakes too. I can't stand seeing carrion on the trail - well, technically a slot canyon. Actually, I'm afraid of deer, and domestic cows, and thunder/hail too. Nothing more scary than bumping into a nervous dog, who's owner is dressed like a 19th Century trapper, in every period-correct detail, talking about "did you see that rabid fox?" "Nah, no fox." The dog won't stop barking. I can't help but think that maybe I did see someone from 200-years-ago, but folks around here are always into some kind of pageant - scary. It isn't that rare that by the end of the trip, my nerves are wrecked and I'm looking forward to winter.

[@chrisgodwin8473]

I'm sure you have been asked this before....but, do you only catch and release or do you (off camera) enjoy a nice trout dinner?

[@isaacparks3455]

Been watching your videos for months now and it’s always a pleasure to see your trips! I wish though you would make them shorter… maybe in parts or something. You’ll probably get more likes this way too! But your videos have inspired me to take my own journeys thank you 🙏

[@isaacparks3455]

But I could see how trying to make a huge trip into a short video could be hard.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Its very hard to tell a full story like this in a bunch of small videos

[@Duschbag]

​@@FLYALLSZN I agree. I want it ALL..!

[@pecosnick45]

Really wish they would outlaw flies above a certain length on bull trout streams during key times of the year. Its probably the best way to manage them and it seems to me there is plenty of other viable streamer water in the state.

[@PaulN-x2q]

@8:46 - purple branches on umbrella flowers is thought to be poison hemlock - possible dermatitis. Looks like cow parsnip, also needs space.

[@jacobrandall6070]

And to no surprise mike is the fucking man, was so looking forward to this video. Killed it yet again.

[@kevinpaddlety-jj5mg]

Rock crick Bitterroot Clark Fork Black Foot Fish crick and more come to Montana 🎣😉👍🏾

[@rogerdudra178]

You want to get big trout, use sculpins for bait. It's slow fishing but the fish are big.

[@rossmoney12345]

Was just wondering where your next video was. Stoked

[@FLYALLSZN]

Hope you enjoyed!

[@kevinpaddlety-jj5mg]

27” brown under higgins street bridge in missoula 😉👍🏾🎣

[@flyfishiowa]

I feel like Missoula fits your vibe. Great stuff!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!

[@TheMegachocho]

Been waiting for this one ☝️

[@FLYALLSZN]

Hope you enjoyed!

[@kevinpaddlety-jj5mg]

lower black foot is fished too much and the fish are weary

[@kevinpaddlety-jj5mg]

Missoula (zoo town ) is my second home and now you know why 🎣😉💯

[@kevinpaddlety-jj5mg]

7 blue ribbon trout streams in a 50 mile radius of Missoula

[@mjschwiebert]

Hey Mike. Love all your videos. What brand is the chest camera? Doesn't look like a GoPro.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Howdy! It’s a GoPro!

[@brettshamblin3180]

WHERE IS IT LEGAL TO TARGET BULL TROUT? WITH THOSE MONSTER STREAMERS? or were u targeting browns?

[@rogerdudra178]

That was a nice cutthroat, we call them 'keepers'.

[@bigskyoutdoors4232]

Thankfull to live here in Hamilton a 45 minute drive from Missoula 6th gen Montanan I’ve been here my whole life and always find new places to fish

[@FLYALLSZN]

The possibilities must be endless!

[@dougmarlow4626]

Good video. Gotta get out west. Fishin in the Mo and Driftless are great but now I see that the west is just an endless fishing opportunity.

[@FLYALLSZN]

There is a lot to see out there!

[@erclsr]

This video convinced me. I just finished up booking a trip to the Bitterroot for October. I'll be staying in Hamilton. I can't wait!

[@erclsr]

@@Paqq6969 what is?

[@Nolan-c7o]

Loved the video! I always do! Dm’d you on Instagram with proposition. Tight lines!

[@PaulN-x2q]

I wish I could go fishing. Just stuck at home doing overdo maintenance that never seems to end, that and I'm getting my butt kicked by the weather. I was wondering where FLY ALL SZN was?

[@FLYALLSZN]

Just been busy!

[@kdemps8964]

Fantastic movie as always, keep it up 🎣 🫡

[@Itzjackplays]

I’m lucky to live in western montana

[@kevinpaddlety-jj5mg]

reservation has the jocko and big trout

[@kevinpaddlety-jj5mg]

big bulls are in the bob marshall wilderness

[@kevinpaddlety-jj5mg]

you’re in my territory and I know 😉👍🏾🎣

[@seanhansen9383]

Spent 2 summers out in Missoula area a decade or so back. General rule of thought then amongst guides and anglers was stick to rods 7 weight and under as proof of bull trout not being the target

[@FLYALLSZN]

Bull trout will still eat small bugs. I understand the thought, but it still doesn't stop the "targeting"

[@clayanthony6249]

What a wonderful film! I loved your honest transparency as I got to relive my own flyfishing adventures. And the background music was perfect! This was a gift for me--thank you!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Hell yeah! So glad you liked it!

[@RJZS1]

wow, a river really does run through it!

[@kevinpaddlety-jj5mg]

grass is always greener up stream 😉🎣👍🏾

[@fredpaynter8838]

What rods are you using ? Do you fish glass? At first glance one of your rods looks like a white blank butter stick.

[@FLYALLSZN]

They are called ANT, its the fire model

[@BooneDoggin]

Awesome

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you!!

[@rogerdudra178]

Me, I'd be eatin some of those trout, too.

[@everettstevenson6110]

“Brought boots to a boot fight.” 😂. Hope you plan on writing a book some day, you’re a good storyteller.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!!

[@Tree3133]

That Kansas hat is so sick! Moving out of Kansas for the first time next month to Utah.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Hell yeah!! It’s on of my favorites

[@kevinpaddlety-jj5mg]

north fork of the black foot 😉👍🏾🎣

[@bayleecolfack2983]

Dude on the “reel” your content is on repeat over here! Thoroughly enjoy your content! On a side note Ive been on the lookout for a new net leash.. for the life of me I can’t find the blue coiled one that you’re running wouldn’t happen to remember where you got it from would ya? Thanks dude 🍻

[@FLYALLSZN]

Hell yeah! Thank you so much!! It’s called “robohawk.us” they’re a small company out of Iowa. They’re the best!

[@bayleecolfack2983]

@@FLYALLSZN you bet Mike! Ordered two! Tight lines 🤙🏼

[@kevinpaddlety-jj5mg]

Didn’t walk to the M eh 😉👍🏾

[@Gage_Cooney]

I love living in Missoula

[@Irideus]

yea buddy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jacobrandall6070]

that lets fucking go moment is such a real one. A moment we all know in our hearts.

[@FLYALLSZN]

It was amazing!!

[@realityobservationalist7290]

I get such a kick out of "waders all year" old guard.

[@FLYALLSZN]

They love em!

[@118jackal]

Great vid! Love seeing you in my neck of the woods.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you!!

[@rogerdudra178]

We always went into the Bob the end of July, the beginning of August. It seemed to be the least probable time for rain. Last 2 weeks of July, first week of August. Many trips. now.

[@rogerdudra178]

CM Russell High School, class of 1968. Guess I'm a Montanan. Nice brown trout.

[@rogerdudra178]

When I worked for the forest service I was out of Stevensville with the Lolo district. I got to help plant 25,000 pin trees on St. Mary's mountain. I heard a lightening strike burned it down though.

[@carywood3946]

Excellent as usual. Solid stuff.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!! Appreciate the support!

[@deric999]

I don’t see a problem with fishing bull trout water if you take care of the fish you catch. Especially if there are other fish in the river.

[@kevinpaddlety-jj5mg]

36” bull trout blackfoot river . witnessed by the game warden 😉👍🏾🎣💯

[@FishDR]

On the bull trout: Fishing a known spawning area during the spawn = obvious targeting Keeping the fish in the water = the law ; easy to follow

[@kevinpaddlety-jj5mg]

It was paradise while I lived in Missoula fly fishing everyday. 20 years 😉👍🏾🎣

[@kevinpaddlety-jj5mg]

big bull’s you’re going to have to hike further back 😉👍🏾🎣

[@thomastero4662]

There are some large trout under those log piles.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Big time!

[@thomastero4662]

@@FLYALLSZNfished that stretch last year and broke off a pig in a log pile. Best thing about it was there were no other anglers there. It’s an overlooked area. Glad you didn’t get too specific

[@TomBrady000]

I live about an hour and a half away in bigfork and I will say fishing is great in Montana!

[@mpopovac]

Love all of your videos man. This one by far is my current favorite. Love how you tell a story and enjoy all your video shots. Motivating to go out and enjoy my local river and creeks!

[@kevinpaddlety-jj5mg]

Muddler 👍🏾🎣😉

[@seanfalconer7182]

Ran through? Are you calling Montana a 304??

[@rogerdudra178]

Catching the 'big' trout is always all you gotta do.

[@jordan7309]

Your videos never fail to amaze me! FLY ALL SZN BABY

[@LeakyWaders]

Im headed to montana sunday. Pretty stoked

[@pacset2]

Awesome!!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thanks!

[@richfisherman2664]

Awesome video Bro. 🎣🎣🎣

[@kevinpaddlety-jj5mg]

Home Sweet Home 😉🎣❤️

[@Owls-b7h]

you should go to Washington state next there is great trout fishing in the mountains and the Olympic peninsula.

[@kenjohnson5156]

Locals here are getting sick and tired of people plastering their videos of fishing spots where every Tom, dick and Harry will seek these places thus increasing the pressure on our local rivers and lakes. Enough is enough, try to enjoy your trips to our waters without bragging to the world how great you are at fly fishing.

[@LukeHester]

This video is doing nothing to increase fishing pressure. It’s just highlighting great fishing in a beautiful state. He didn’t hot spot anything. Every resource a person needs to find the best spots is already out there and available to anyone willing to do some more in depth research. Guide books have existed for decades and do a lot more to blow up specific spots than a video like this. Also, everyone’s favorite fishing spot was or is someone else’s before them. You “took” the spots from someone else and that person did too. People only care when it happens to them. Chill.

[@richricci3172]

Hey MIKE, another heavy hitter vid buddy. Hey I tried connecting with you on IG, had some Driftless Qs. Let me know whats best for you to connect on, email, cell or one of the social media platforms? Thanx MIKE, stay Safe and Hoppers Drawn 🤘🤘🤘

[@FLYALLSZN]

Shoot me another message on IG!

[@richricci3172]

@@FLYALLSZN cant, wont allow , Till you accept the invite…

[@richricci3172]

@@FLYALLSZN not able to unless you accept the invitation