MISSOULA, Mont. — Smoke hanging over Missoula and temperatures in the 90s has raised concerns about how the stretch of summer weather could affect tourism in the area.
Jake Hensley, owner and guide at Missoula Fly Guy, said clients recently brought up the smoke when they called about trips.
“Obviously, we can't control the heat, and we can't control the smoke. I'm trying to tell clients they’re still going to have a great time,” said Hensley. “No one wants to be on the water when it's 95 degrees unless you're actually swimming. So, for fishing purposes, early on, early off, and you're still getting people interested in coming here.”
Hensley said the heat has affected his business more than the smoke because several rivers in the area were under hoot-owl fishing restrictions.
Chad Bauer, CEO and president of the Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce, said local businesses had not reported smoke-related problems so far.
“We haven't had any of our businesses let us know that they're having issues with the smoke that's in the valleys right now,” said Bauer. “I think it really depends on how long the smoke stays in the valleys. And what the health department decides [are] hazardous air conditions.”
Hensley said none of his clients had canceled because of the smoke, but he worries a reputation of having smoke during this part of the year could eventually affect business.
All said, he hopes conditions improve after July.
“I think as long as we can preach those early morning starts, not apply the pressure full blown, I think it'll save those fish and also keep those customers in August coming to still have a good time in Missoula,” said Hensley.
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