INFORMATION REGARDING THE EVENT DESCRIBED IS BEING PROVIDED SOLELY TO ALERT SPFF MEMBERS OF FISHING OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN NEW SKILLS AND FISH NEW WATERS. THIS EVENT IS NOT ORGANIZED BY SPFF.
The Skwala Hatch in Montana is the best pre-runoff hatch around Missoula, drawing anglers from near and far to get their first fishing of the season in. We have (4) days April 14 - 17th of guided drift boat fishing on the Bitterroot, Clark Fork, Blackfoot rivers. The Bitterroot is world-renowned for its early-season skwala hatch, which kicks off Montana dry fly fishing near Missoula in late March. Anglers are on the hunt for west slope cutthroat, brown and rainbow trout.
The Outfitter includes use of boat rods and reels, all flies, tippet, hotel pickup and drop-off, shuttles, all day guide services with 2 anglers per guide boat, and shore side lunch. Lodging is included in the price at Staybridge Suites Missoula along with breakfast (406) 830 - 3900 front desk, you can arrange shuttle if available from and to the airport. Fly into Missoula on Monday April 13th and depart on Saturday April 18th.
Not included: Transportation, gratuity, dinner, Montana fishing license
A $300 deposit by Zelle secures your spot payable to David Hoffberg. The rest of the payment will be charged with the Outfitter in Missoula. Total $1,600.00 Double Occupancy or $2,050.00 Single Occupancy
For details call David Hoffberg 818-917-2505
Most members are flying on Alaska Airlines Burbank to Missoula, here is a sample flight itinerary:
Alaska Airlines Flight 562 - Monday April 13th - BUR-->PDX 07:00a-0931a
Alaska Airlines Flight 3255 - Monday April 13th - PDX-->MSO 10:38a-1:13p
Alaska Airlines Flight 3063 - Saturday April 18th - MSO-->SEA 1:53p-2:34p
Alaska Airlines Flight 717 - Saturday April 18th - SEA-->BUR 5:06p-7:40p
Montana Nonresident fishing license costs:
Short-Term Nonresident License for 5 Consecutive Calendar Days: $56 or Full Fishing Season License March 1, 2026 - February 28, 2027: $100
Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass: $7.50
Conservation License: $10
Event Rules: Montana Fishing License required. --> https://fwp.mt.gov/fish/license
The Missoula are river map is diverse in its options, geography and personality of water. The sheer scope and size of the five river complex creates vast differences in hydrology which in turn produces trout species diversification along with the widest breadth of aquatic hatches in the Western United States.
The Bitterroot River is the most hatch oriented trout fishery. With over 90 miles of floatable water, it changes in character rapidly from the headwaters to the mouth. In the upper river, the predominant species are West Slope Cutthroat trout. They are plentiful and rise easily to dry flies. Trout dominance changes in tandem with the build of the river. Lurking brown trout are the kings of the middle Bitterroot.
The Clark Fork is a river of two worlds, divided by a massive change in size near Missoula. The Upper Clark is a small, meandering meadow stream whose trout population is over 90% brown trout. She is lightly fished with most anglers focused on the 20 mile section upriver from the mouth of the Blackfoot. Fishing with streamers and big dries are the most effective techniques on the Upper Clark and can produce exceptional results. The Lower Clark Fork grows exponentially after being joined by Rock Creek, the Blackfoot, and Bitterroot. Home to the biggest population of wild rainbow trout, the Clark Fork west of Missoula will challenge and entertain the highest level of dry fly angler. A complex hatch cycle beginning in March carries anglers all the way into late October.
The Blackfoot is habitat for a mixed population of rainbows, cutthroat, browns, and Bull trout. A long treasured destination for anglers due to unmatched scenery and consistent fishing. A clean, clear, free flowing river alternately tumbling over ledge rock shelves and twisting through soaring canyons.
