The Best Fly Shops in Missoula

The Best Fly Shops in Missoula (In No Particular Order)

Let’s be real—Missoula is a fly fishing town, through and through. Whether you’re hitting the Blackfoot, the Bitterroot, or floating the Clark Fork after work, you’re never more than a short drive (or bike ride) away from good water.

And just like our rivers, the fly shops are top tier. What’s cool is that they’re all a little different—each one’s got its own vibe, its own crew, its own regulars, etc… We don’t have a favorite, and we’re not trying to rank them. Honestly, we bounce around to all of them depending on what we need, what part of town we’re in, or who we feel like catching up with that day.

Also worth mentioning—there are a ton of awesome independent guides around Missoula. If you’re looking to get out on the water but don’t know where to start, or just want someone else on the oars while you enjoy the float, hiring a local guide is hands-down one of the best ways to go.

Anyway, here’s our rundown of the local shops we hit most often and why we like ‘em.

Missoulian Angler

This one’s been around forever, and it’s got that classic, no-fluff fly shop feel. Nothing flashy, just people who fish a lot and don’t mind telling you where the bite’s been good. Great fly selection, solid materials, and they’re not gonna oversell you on stuff you don’t need.

If we’re heading out for a morning fish and want quick beta, this is often the stop.

🡒 Thinking about hitting the water? Here’s an easy way to get a guided trip lined up

Blackfoot River Outfitters (BRO)

BRO’s kind of the OG full-service shop. Clean, super organized, big fly wall, and they’ve got all the gear dialed. If you’re looking for something specific—like a new rod or high-end pack—this is usually where we check first. The staff’s always solid too.

We swing through here when we’re headed up the Blackfoot or just want to poke around and see what’s new.

🡒 If you want someone else to row and put you on fish, check out this guided float option

Grizzly Hackle

Right in the middle of downtown. Always a good vibe, clean, well-stocked, etc… and like the rest, they’ve got an amazing fly selection. If you work downtown(ish) like we do, this is one of those places to swing by on a lunch break or before grabbing patio beers at Cranky Sams. It’s the kind of shop where even if you don’t need anything, you feel welcome to hang out and talk fishing for a bit.

Also helpful if you’re prepping for a trip—they’ve got saltwater gear and a great staff that knows their stuff.

🡒 Planning a day on the water? Hiring a guide in Missoula can take the pressure off and help you find the good water faster.

Freestone Fly Shop

Freestone’s a bit of a low-key sleeper pick. It’s not in town like the rest. Gotta travel down valley, so maybe not quite as busy? Then again, every time I’ve been in there, it’s buzzing. Regardless, the shop is super welcoming and the team there is awesome. Smaller selection than BRO or Hackle, but what they’ve got is well-curated and dialed for local water.

Most of the shop workers are guides and/or angling junkies. So, it’s one of the spots where you can end up in a 20-minute conversation about hopper eats or streamer rigs before you even realize it.

🡒 If you want to wander a bit from town or just want to see Missoula’s water through a local’s eyes, book a float with a Missoula-based guide

Wrapping It Up

Bottom line? We’re lucky. Missoula has some of the best fly shops around, and the community behind them makes this place even better. Whether you’re a beginner trying to get your feet wet or a local chasing that next 20-incher, these shops have your back.

And while we’re not partnered with any of them, we frequent (and appreciate) them. However, we do work with a great crew of independent guides and outfitters who know these rivers inside and out. So if you’re thinking about booking a day on the water—whether it’s your first or your fiftieth—they’re a solid way to go.

Tight lines, and maybe we’ll see you at the ramp.