Bitterroot still fishing……
In most years fishing usually winds down in November as temperatures drop. This year November has come in with mild temperatures and warm afternoons. The last few days have seen high temps close to 60′ which is keeping water temps in the mid 40′s and the trout actively feeding. There is still a good window of dry fly action in mid afternoon with trout taking BWO’s, Midges and even a few Mahoganies. When fish aren’t rising, going under with nymphs and streamers has been very effective. The mild temps are expected to last until the end of the week when a front with lots of snow will move in. If you have a chance , get out and enjoy some great late season fly fishing. See ya on the river………
Weather starting to turn…
Not much has changed in the Bitterroot since my last posting in mid September. Warm dry weather continued and we have gone for the longest spell without any rain, over 40 days.. That is all about to change. A front is moving into the mountains and could drop close to an inch of rain with snow above 6000′ …If the forecast is correct this should spell the end for one of our longest fire seasons. That should end the smoke that still lingers in the valley. Fishing throughout September and into October has been excellent. Abundant may fly hatches have been bringing the fish up for dries. Tricos, Hecubas, and Hoppers have now given way to the smaller may flies. The predominant hatches are Mahogany duns #12-14, and Blue Winged Olives #18-20. This is one of my favorite times of year to fish the Bitterroot. Casting to large risers can be challenging and quite fun and rewarding. The best fishing is afternoon in the warmest part of the day now that the nights have turned cold. Good dry fly fishing should last throughout October so get out on the water before the cold drives us off the river and to other sports. See ya on the river……. ~><(((*>
Fall hatches underway..
Unfortunately smoke is still hanging in the valley from the growth of fires in the Bitterroot mountains. We all need to continue our rain dance. Fishing however is improving daily and we are settling into some good fall fishing. Day time highs and lows are dropping and this has created some favorable water temps and the fishing is on river wide. Floating is not a problem as water releases continue from Painted Rocks and water should increase as irrigation demands wind down. May fly hatches are going with Tricos, Hecubas, and a few Mahoganies and BWO’s. If the sun has the may fly hatches off , hoppers are still bringing up some nice fish. and if you must droppers will work too. see ya on the river……..><(((*>
Summer winding down….
Weather and water temps are cooling a bit and we can start to see and feel hints of the fall to come. Longer cooler nights have got water temps down and the fish and bugs are beginning to respond. Cold water releases from Painted Rocks dam continue and will provide good flows on the upper river until late September.. The lower river (below Hamilton) is low but the cooler temps are making it a good fishing option lately. Trico’s are beginning and can provide some excellent dry fly fishing until mid-day, I have begun to see a few of the fall drakes or Hecuba but there doesn’t seem to be enough to get the fish keying on them yet. Terrestrials such as hoppers, beetles and ants are still abundant and will be on the fishes radar throughout September. Lots of small fish are coming up for the dry fly offerings but I am beginning to see more of the big guys rising as well. Fishing should continue to improve from here on out.. See ya on the river…….. ~><(((*>
August..
- At August 6, 2012
- In Fishing Report
Hot dry weather continues and the Bitterroot river levels continue to drop and warm. Not the best conditions for trout and fly fisherman. However, what makes the Bitterroot unique is that Painted Rocks lake provides life giving cold water to the West fork and upper Bitterroot. The releases from Painted Rocks provide a good flow of cool water which makes it to Hamilton throughout hot summer months and into late September. the major hatches of summer have waned and given way to fishing with terrestrials. Spruce moths have been the hot fly on the West Fork bringing up some nice fish during the day. Also on the West Fork and Bitterroot, grasshoppers are beginning to turn nice fish as well. We are still seeing a few Caddis in the evenings with rusty spinners and PMD’s in the morning. The upper river fishes well all day but if you chose to fish the lower Bitterroot get on the river early before water temps warm and put added stress on the fish. This time of year fly fishers are catching lots of small trout with the occasional big guy coming up. Good luck and see ya on the river…………………. ~ ><(((*>
Mid-summer fishing…
- At July 24, 2012
- In Fishing Report
Water levels have held up quite well on the Bitterroot this summer. However, several weeks of hot dry weather has finally got the water dropping and warming fast. Good news is releases from Painted Rocks dam will begin this evening. This will ensure a good flow of cold water throughout the remainder of summer.. This will be an added boost to the fish and fishing. Fly fishing has held up well on the Bitterroot upstream of Hamilton and the West Fork.. The lower river fishing has slowed during the day due to higher water temps. There are still good hatches of PMD’s, Golden Stones and the smaller Bitterroot Stone, the evenings provide a good spinner fall and lots of caddis. We are entering the time when terrestrials are a big part of the trouts diet. Look for grasshoppers, beetles, ants , spruce and pine moths to be on the menu. I am anticipating good fishing throughout August. see ya on the river……………. ~ ><(((*>
