Western Waters news and events

River Reports

River Descriptions

 

ABLERTON GORGE

If you always wanted to do whitewater but worried about all the fishing possibilities you would be missing the Gorge is for you. Western Waters take really big rafts with center oared fishing frames and highly experienced guides, Jared and Steve, and head out fishing before the whitewater rafters get started. Western Waters is one of the few that have a permit allowing us to guide the Gorge. After each big rapid we hook back into the holding water where You can work streamers nymphs and even dries during a hatch for some really big fish. Our customers frequently say the Gorge trip is the most “exciting” day they have ever had on a fishing trip . The bigger fish in the river hold up in these pools at the bottom of the rapids so You never really know what to expect including some we never get to see because of our light fly fishing tackle limitations. You will have to wear a high flotation vest all day and all the gear gets put away for Tripple Bridges, Tumbleweed and Fang rapids but you can cast away on everything else.


BLACKFOOT RIVER

The Blackfoot River is one of incredible scenery and a legendary wild trout population. Sometimes hard to watch your fly while drifting through these rugged steep canyons. This boulder strewn river is best guided and fished from a raft due to the numerous rocks and riffles. For the accurate fly caster the Blackfoot River offers a fun day of throwing dry flies behind rocks and targeting holding water for the numerous trout of the Blackfoot River. From the clearwater bridge to the town of Bonner the Blackfoot River offers 30 miles of very beautiful canyon fishing less than one hour from our shop in Superior. While the Rainbow and Cutthroat dominate this fishery the occasional Brook and Brown can be found. A must do on most bucket lists.

See Blackfoot River Reports
- Blackfoot near Ovando

- Blackfoot near Garrison

- Blackfoot near Bonner


BITTERROOT RIVER

The Bitterroot River got its name from the flowering plant along its banks. The Bitterroot River is a handsome stream running over 80 miles from Idaho Northerly down the Bitterroot valley. Home to the famous Skawala hatch the Bitterroot holds numerous Browns Rainbow and Cutthroat. Skawala in the native Indian language means “place of the beaver” which is very evident by the numerous downed cottonwood trees. These trees provide holding structure for the fish of the Bitterroot and a casting challenge to the fly fisher. The Bitterroot is best known for its wading opportunity. Expect numerous gravel bars and drop offs that ban be fished from the boat or wade fished from islands and banks. The “root” while a bigger drive from our shop is a memorable trip for those seeking the adventure .

- Bitterroot near Darby

- West Fork Bitterroot near Conner

- Bitterroot near Missoula

CLARK FORK RIVER

The Clark Fork River is Western Water’s home river and we are constantly fishing the numerous stretches of this big river. The Clark Fork River starts in Anaconda and flows over 120 miles Dam free until it meets up with the Flathead River. Western Water’s guides Jared and Steve, know this river and the numerous moods of the Clark Fork River. Depending on Wind, Weather and your time requirements our guides will recommend the perfect trip for your day.

The river has some protected stretches that allow us to fish even during windy days. The Clark Fork River is ideal if one of the fisherman is a beginner as the guide can concentrate on helping without dodging rocks and navigating tricky currents . Not to be underestimated the lower Clark Fork River has some technical water with a few rapids that will challenge even the best caster.

Western Water’s fishes this river strictly from our drift boats and the entire day is spent casting to banks and working the riffles. During the numerous hatches we will seek out holding pools where fish are rising to dry flies. While spring has the Skawalas the summer is home to cadis and grasshoppers. If you are used to the Madison , Snake or the San Juan You are in for a real treat here in Western Montana as we usually have the Clark Fork River to our self.

The Clark Fork River trips meet at our shop and will have you back in Superior once the fish quit rising or it is to dark to get the boat on the trailer.

See Clark Fork River Reports

- Clark Fork near Galen

- Clark Fork at Turah Bridge near Bonner

- Clark Fork below Missoula, MT

- Clark Fork at St. Regis, MT

Dearborn River

The Dearborn River is every bit as beautiful as the Famous Smith River. Flowing out of the east side of Glacier the Dearborn travels through nearly all private lands. Montana stream access laws allow us to float this river as long as we remain within the high water mark. The net result is a 20 mile, two day experience without seeing a building, car, bridge or rarely another fishermen.

Western Water’s can outfit an overnight trip on the Dearborn with two full days of fishing . If you desire a special experience and enjoy streamside camping the Dearborn is for you. The stream flows dictate our fishing guides ability to float this unique river
and usually limits the fishing months to June and July. Check with us in advance so we can plan your trip around the stream flows. We take one customer per guide to allow for camping gear in the raft. To make your Adventure with Western Waters happen we can pick you up at Missoula Airport or Helena Airport and drop you back off to make transportation easy for you.

- Missouri River near Wolf Creek

ROCK CREEK

- Rock Creek near Clinton

LOOKING FOR A DIFFERENT MONTANA RIVER?
- All Rivers Info Here