Missoula | Spring Fish and Ski Trip

Mornings in the mountains / afternoons on the Bitterroot River

Jan 29, 2025

January 28, 2025 | Bitterroot River, Clark Fork River, Missoula, Montana, Season | Spring

March and April are busy months around Western Montana. The dark days of winter are behind us and we are gearing up to start the fishing season on The Bitterroot and Clark Fork. March and April are some of the months that we depend on for snowpack. Spring storms that send rain to the valley floors are piling up snow on the mountains surrounding us. That wet and heavy snow turns into river water throughout the summer. When it's raining in Missoula, it's snowing up high. We like it when that happens, but skiers and snowboarders love to extend their riding season.

You could combine a skiing and fishing trip in Missoula in March. While other areas in Montana are more popular skiing destinations, Missoula as your home base offers lots of great “Mom and Pop” Ski hill options.

Spring Fish and Ski Trip: The Best of Missoula in March

Spring in Western Montana is nothing short of magical. While the days are getting longer and the weather warmer in the valley, up in the mountains, the snow is still piling up. This time of year marks the sweet spot between the tail end of ski season and the beginning of the fishing season. In Missoula, you don’t have to choose between skiing or fishing—you can do both, and do them well.

Imagine waking up early, skiing through fresh powder on a quiet mountain slope, and then spending the afternoon fishing the iconic Bitterroot and Clark Fork Rivers. March in Missoula offers visitors a chance to balance two of the best outdoor adventures the region has to offer. Here's why it’s the perfect time to plan your spring fish and ski trip.

Why Spring? A Sweet Spot Between Ski and Fishing Seasons

March in Missoula represents a unique crossover between the tail end of the ski season and the beginning of our spring fishing season. Late winter and early spring storms continue to blanket the mountains in snow, meaning ski areas remain open with excellent late-season conditions. At the same time, the melting low-elevation snowpack feeds into the rivers, bringing a bump to our spring flows and creating ideal conditions for fishing.

Skiing in Missoula: Local Gems for Skiers and Snowboarders

Missoula Snow Skiing — Montana Snow Skiing

Missoula’s ski areas offer something special. While Montana has larger, more famous ski resorts, the local, smaller hills around Missoula are ideal for anyone looking for a more intimate experience. Think fewer crowds, shorter lift lines, and a laid-back vibe. It’s about quality over quantity—big enough to keep you entertained, but small enough to feel like a hidden gem.

Snowbowl: Located just 20 minutes from downtown Missoula, Snowbowl is the go-to ski area for locals and visitors alike. It’s an absolute must-visit if you want to go skiing or snowboarding while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Snowbowl is known for its deep powder and often stays open well into April, making it perfect for late-season skiing.
Lost Trail: If you’re looking for a more remote option, head south to Lost Trail, a ski area located on the Montana-Idaho border. Lost Trail is a true local gem, famous for its abundant snowfall and laid-back, old-school vibe. With lots of open space and fewer skiers on the slopes, it’s a great place for those who want a peaceful day on the mountain.

Both of these ski areas offer fantastic late-season conditions in March and there’s plenty of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The lack of crowds and the chance to ski or snowboard without long lift lines make Missoula’s ski areas a real treat.

Fishing in the Bitterroot and Clark Fork: Springtime Waters Awaken

When you're not hitting the slopes, it’s time to see what spring fishing is all about on the Bitterroot or Clark Fork Rivers. These two rivers offer some of the best early spring fishing in Montana. The arrival of the Skwala Stonefly and our spring Mayflies offer some exceptional dry fly opportunities. These fish have been waiting for the bugs, they are ready and excited to eat after a long winter.

The Bitterroot River: If you had to draw a picture of a Montana trout river, you would imagine The Bitterroot. With the dramatic Bitterroot mountains to the West and the Rolling sapphires to the east, the wide cottonwood river bottom creates a beautiful western trout stream. Log jams and gravel bars, cut banks and sweeping bends create some of the best dry fly fishing water we have.

The Skwala hatch can be incredible on The Bitterroot. These stoneflies crawl their way to the banks in the spring. They don't fly and look like a small piece of bark on the water, but they must taste very good. The fish act like they haven't eaten in a year when the Skwalas are out. If you have cabin fever after a long winter, a day of Skawla fishing on the Bitterroot is the cure.

The Clark Fork River: The Clark Fork is “Missoula's River”. Running through the middle of town, the Clark Fork holds a special place in our hearts. Early spring on the Clark Fork can be some of the more impressive dry fly action of the year. The fish haven't been messed with too much through the winter and seem to be eager to eat a dry fly. Skwalas show up along with bluewings and the trout wake up. Long casts and good mends go a long way catching them on the Clark Fork in March.

Spring is a great time for fishing in both of these rivers, thanks to increased flow from low-elevation snow melt and spring hatches. The fish are hungry, and the conditions can be good for a day on the water. If you’re new to fishing, spring is a great time to learn. The relaxed pace of a spring day allows for plenty of time to get some basics down before the fishing gets going later in the day as the water warms up.

How to Make the Most of Your Spring Fish and Ski Trip

To get the most out of your spring fish and ski trip to Missoula, you’ll want to maximize your time on the slopes and the water. Here’s a suggested itinerary to balance both activities:

Day 1: Ski in the Afternoon. Most airlines can get you into Missoula before 11 a.m. That would allow you time to land, get some food, and head up to Snowbowl for a few afternoon laps. After skiing, you can head downtown for dinner and drinks. After dinner, gather your gear for fishing and rest your legs.
Day 2: Ski in the Morning, Fish in the Afternoon On day two, switch things up and try Lost Trail for a change of scenery. After a few runs on the mountain, head out to the river for some afternoon fishing. Whether you’re fishing for rainbow trout or brown trout, the waters will be calling you.
Day 3: Full Day of Skiing or Fishing If you’re feeling ambitious, dedicate a full day to either skiing or fishing. If you’re skiing, Snowbowl or Lost Trail will keep you busy for hours. If you’re more into fishing, we will get a full day on the water. Don't worry though, this time of year we don't start early, often meeting at 9 or 10 am allowing the water to warm up and fishing during the heat of the day. The bugs and fish like the warmth, and so do we.
Day 4: Do what you didn't already do. Now's the time to mix it up. If you are fished out, go skiing. If you have gotten enough turns, go fishing. It's your trip; we are here to help you get the most out of your time in Missoula.

The best part of staying in Missoula is the ease of access. Both the ski areas and the rivers are within a short drive of town, so you can easily alternate between skiing and fishing with minimal travel time.

Skwalas and Skiing. Come see for yourself!

March in Missoula offers a rare opportunity to experience both skiing and fishing in one trip. Whether you’re an experienced skier or angler, or just looking to try something new, the combination of late-season skiing and spring fishing makes this an unforgettable time of year.

A Skwala and Ski trip is a must-do for anyone who enjoys the mountains in the early spring. Please give us a call if you have any questions or need some help planning a combo trip. We are happy to help figure out any logistics.

Remember, we can provide everything you need for a day on the water. There are also many places to rent skiing equipment for multiple days. So, getting gear for both activities on a plane isn't an issue; you can fly with just a carry-on and one checked bag. (You will need layers for both activities, but most of what you would pack can work for both.)

- Zach Scott | Missoula Fishing Guide #17232

Missoula Fly Fishing Outfitters