Fly Fishing Montana: BIG Browns from Madison Valley Ranch
Montana Fly Company Flies Quick Picks
- Best All-Around Streamer: Conehead Sparkle Minnow Fly - A dependable baitfish-style streamer when you want to cover water for trout and other predators. The conehead adds sink and presence, helping it fish well in faster runs and deeper banks.
- Best for Deep Nymphing: MFC Jig BH Girdle Bug Fly - A strong choice as an anchor fly for indicator rigs or tight-line/Euro setups in riffles and pocket water. The jig-style profile is designed to ride hook point up, which can help in rocky bottoms.
- Best Big-Profile Trout Streamer: Galloup's Mini Sex Dungeon Fly - Great when you want a larger meal to move aggressive fish, especially in off-color water or low light. The mini size is an easy way to fish a meaty profile without going to the biggest streamers.
- Best Saltwater Popper: Popovic's Pop Fleye - A fun, high-commotion surface option for predators that respond to noise and splash. Ideal when you want to prospect flats edges, inlets, or nearshore structure with a pop-and-pause retrieve.
- Best Flash Baitfish: Krafts Kreelex Fly - A fast-sinking, flashy baitfish look for when you need visibility in glare, depth, or stained water. Weighted eyes help it get down and give it a jigging action on the strip.
How to Choose Montana Fly Company Flies
Start with the job: surface, subsurface, or "hunt"
Action: Decide where you need your fly to fish first, then pick size and weight second.
- Surface: Choose poppers when fish are looking up or you need to call them from distance (great for warmwater and some salt scenarios).
- Subsurface (drift): Choose nymphs/jig nymphs when trout are feeding near the bottom and you need a natural dead drift.
- Subsurface (retrieve): Choose streamers when you want to trigger a chase response or imitate baitfish.
Match weight to current speed and depth
Best for: Getting consistent drifts and fewer mid-drift snags.
- Faster/deeper runs: Heavier flies (beads, coneheads, dumbbell eyes) help you reach the lane where fish are holding.
- Shallow/slow water: Lighter flies drift more naturally and hang up less.
- Jig-style nymphs: Often preferred around rock gardens because they’re designed to ride hook point up.
Pick sizes like a shop employee (not a scientist)
Action: If you’re unsure, grab a spread: a couple small, a couple medium, and one larger “attention getter.”
- Trout nymphs: Carry a range for different flows and bug sizes.
- Trout streamers: Keep at least one smaller option for pressured fish and one larger option for moving bigger trout.
- Saltwater/warmwater: Size to the forage and the wind you’re casting in (bigger flies need more rod and better timing).
Materials & Durability
- Dry after fishing: Open your fly box at home so flies can fully dry and hooks don’t rust.
- Retire damaged flies: If the hook point is rolled or the fly is coming apart, swap it out before it costs you a fish.
- Check hook points: Touch up with a small hook file, especially after rocks or hard-mouthed fish.
- Separate salty gear: If you fish saltwater, keep saltwater flies in a dedicated box and rinse/air-dry after each trip.
Complete Your Setup
Related Gear
- Leaders - Dial in turnover and presentation for nymphs, dries, and streamers.
- Tippet - Fine-tune stealth and strength for your specific fly size and water clarity.
- Weights, Indicators & Floatants - Control depth, detect eats, and keep your dries riding correctly.
- Fly Selections - A fast way to build a ready-to-fish box for a destination or season.
Related Guides
- Fly Fishing Flies Explained
- The Best Streamers For Fall Trout
- How to Choose the Best Trout Flies for Small Streams
Montana Fly Company Flies FAQs
Q: What are Montana Fly Company (MFC) flies?
A: Montana Fly Company flies are professionally tied patterns covering trout, warmwater, and saltwater needs. On this page you’ll find everything from jig nymphs and egg patterns to streamers and poppers.
Q: Are Montana Fly Company flies good for beginners?
A: Yes, especially if you start with a few versatile nymphs and a simple streamer or two. Use the filters to narrow by target species and pack size so you’re not guessing.
Q: How do I choose the right MFC fly for trout?
A: If fish are rising, look at surface patterns; if not, start subsurface with nymphs. Add a streamer when you want to cover water or target bigger, more aggressive fish.
Q: When should I fish jig nymphs?
A: Jig nymphs are a strong choice in rocky riffles and pocket water, and they’re popular for tight-line/Euro rigs. They’re also effective under an indicator when you need a heavy point fly.
Q: What’s the easiest way to pick streamer colors?
A: Start with one natural color for clear water and one brighter/flashier option for stained water or cloudy days. If you’re still unsure, choose based on visibility: light in dark water, dark in bright/clear conditions.
Q: Do I need different flies for freshwater and saltwater?
A: Typically, yes, saltwater patterns are usually built around different prey (shrimp, crabs, baitfish) and are tied for harsher conditions. Keep them in a separate box and rinse/dry them after each salt trip.