June in Montana is a month of high contrast, defined by unpredictable river conditions as mountain snow run-off peaks. As the report by Montana Trout Outfitters notes, “That is the tricky part about June, but years of experience have also proven that June is our best month for big fish and epic dry fly fishing if you’re willing to be flexible.”
While local Missoula freestone streams usually clear up in early June, tailwaters like the Missouri River serve as a reliable, clean-flowing fallback when local rivers are blown out. This season perfectly illustrated that need for adaptability; after a promising start with Salmonflies in Missoula, a massive storm dumped up to 4 inches of rain, forcing guides to pivot back to the Missouri River. Anglers who embraced the change experienced some of the finest dry fly fishing of their lives, landing massive trout, while those who resisted faced tough, less-than-ideal conditions back in Missoula.
By the end of the month, Missoula rivers were dropping back into shape with major hatches of Salmonflies, Golden Stoneflies, and Green Drakes underway. Ultimately, the month proved that adaptability is the key to success: “The Montana fishing report for June this year has been unpredictable. What we do know is wherever that happens to be, there will be big fish and good dry fly fishing.”
Montana Trout Outfitters is located at 6108 Raelene Ct. in Missoula, and you can find out more about them at mttroutguides.com.
