The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Photo by Nelson Kenter, kenterphotography.com

Posts Tagged ‘Fishing in Missoula’

Putting Missoula on the Flight Map

Let's take a look at just what's brought about this surge in popularity and the options for tourists looking to fly into Missoula.... more

Warm Water Prompts Full Fishing Closures and Hoot-Owl Restrictions on Some Streams

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is advising anglers that full fishing closures and hoot-owl restrictions will be in effect starting July 26 on portions of some rivers and creeks in western and southwestern Monta... more

Uncovering the Hidden Gems of Missoula: The Best Things to Do in the City

In the Montana metropolis of Missoula, there is something for everyone. The city offers numerous undiscovered jewels, from outdoor activities to cultural events, just waiting to be found and experienced.... more

Steps Every Fisherman Should Follow To Get The Most Out Of The Experience

Follow these steps to learn how to find and catch more fish, and, of course, become a better angler.... more

Celebrate Mother’s Day Out on the Water

This weekend give your mom the best Mother’s Day gift around – take her fishing!... more

6 Reasons Why Fishing is Good for You

There are many reasons why you should look to adopt fishing into your lifestyle. From physical benefits to mental benefits, here are several reasons why fishing is good for you.... more

FWP “Kids to Fish” Program Allows Anglers to Borrow Gear & Tackle For Free

A popular Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks program that allows kids and their friends or families to check out free fishing rods and tackle is in full swing again this year. ... more

Top 10 Hikes Around Missoula

By JEFF JONES - An insider's perspective of the top 10 hikes in and around Missoula, Montana.... more

Missoula Spring Fishing Report

By TONY REINHARDT- The new Montana fishing season started in March and it was a great month to be on the water. The Skwala stonefly hatch begins in March. ... more

Will Winter Wither?

By BRUCE AUCHLY - Is winter done? Kaput, finished, terminated? It would seem so, though you may not want to bet the farm subsidies on it.... more

2016 Hunting & Fishing Licenses On Sale Monday With Change In Fees

By JEANNE CONNOLLY - Montana's 2016 hunting and fishing licenses go on sale Monday, Feb. 1, under a new fee structure passed by the state legislature. ... more

Tips for Fishing Through the Hoot Owl Restrictions

By TONY REINHARDT-Many assume that because there are fishing restrictions then the fishing must not be very good, not true. Changing your strategy a little can pay off in these conditions.... more

Trout in Hot Water

By TRISTAN SCOTT - Historic stream temperature highs, low flows threaten Northwest Montana's cold-water fish.... more

Salmonfly Mania in Missoula

By TONY REINHARDT -The time has finally arrived! Many anglers wait all year to chase the Salmonfly hatch, and you won’t find a much better place to do it than in Missoula. ... more

March Madness: Fly Fishing in Missoula, Montana (VIDEO)

By TONY REINHARDT-To most folks March Madness is all about filling out your bracket and the build up to the Final Four. But it means something entirely different to the avid anglers here in Missoula.... more

Missoula River Etiquette

By TONY REINHARDT -With the unbelievably nice weather everyone is looking to get outside so this is a great chance to discuss Missoula River Etiquette. ... more

Early Start to the Fishing Season

By TONY REINHARDT -This time last year we were buried in snow and brutal cold, but the unseasonably warm weather this February has jump started the fishing season for many local anglers.... more

Fall Days on the Radar

By ROB BREEDING - The fishing has grown increasingly good as the leaves succumb to gravity.... more

Fall Fly Fishing in Missoula–The Anglers’ Time

By TONY REINHARDT -For many Missoulians fall is their favorite time of year. Fly fishing is some of the best of the year and for dedicated anglers this is a perfect recipe for isolated rivers and great fishing.... more

Mid Summer Missoula Fishing Report

By TONY REINHARDT -The season is flying by! The fishing has been great in Missoula so far this year, and with plenty of water still in our rivers that should continue through the rest of the season. ... more

Going Home Again

By ROB BREEDING - I went back to one former home recently, my old stomping grounds in the Bitterroot Valley.... more

Do the Right Thing

By ROB BREEDING - The fish that were in Montana first are worthy of our best conservation efforts.... more

Summer Dry Fly Season in Missoula

By TONY REINHARDT - It seems that we have gone from spring to summer overnight in Missoula and the fly fishing transition has happened just as quickly--now is the time to get into the river.... more

FWP, Anglers Work Together to End Illegal fish Introductions

Montana fisheries officials and major statewide angling groups signed an agreement recently aimed at curbing the spread of illegal fish introductions into state waters.... more

The Next Generation–Take a Kid Fishing!

By TONY REINHARDT - Do you remember the first time you went fishing, or the first fish you caught? Odds are it was a father, grandpa, or mentor who took you out on that first trip. ... more

High Water Fishing Options in Western Montana

By TONY REINHARDT -Got the fishing bug? Wonder where can you scratch the itch in the middle of run-off season? The key to success this time of year lies more in your computer or smart phone than in your fly bo... more

Time to Catch a Rainbow

By BRUCE AUCHLY - Want a fishing tip? Rainbow trout are spawning. Run, don’t walk, to your closest reservoir and start fishing near shore for a rainbow trout. ... more

Skwala Season Has Arrived in Western Montana

By TONY REINHARDT -Skwalamania has arrived in full force in western Montana. This much anticipated event of the fishing season was delayed by record snow and cold in February, but it is finally upon us. ... more

Fly Tying Season

By TONY REINHARDT - I am a fly tying procrastinator which isn’t a good thing in my line of work. As a full time guide I go through a lot of flies between March and October each year.... more

Hunters, The Time is NOW!

By TONY REINHARDT - Weather is a huge factor during hunting season and this latest storm front making its’ way through the state is what many hunters have been waiting for. ... more

Late Season Solitude

By TONY REINHARDT - This time of year you could have the whole river to yourself, and if you pick your days wisely you could get in 3-4 hours of quality fishing in the afternoon.... more

The Best Season of All

By TONY REINHARDT - It has been a long hot summer in Missoula, MT and we fly fishers eagerly welcome the cool weather of autumn. The next 30 days will offer some of the best dry fly fishing of the season.... more

Dog Days of Summer Fishing Tips

By TONY REINHARDT - August is typically one of the toughest months for visiting anglers. Hare are several things you can do to stack the deck in your favor and find plenty of Montana’s wild trout. ... more