Fall at Last!

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The 1st day of fall is still a couple weeks away but the current weather sure makes it feel like it’s here… We have had some good rains and much cooler temperatures over the last week. This is great news for fisherman. The change in weather has gotten the may fly hatches going and fish feeding more aggressively. Trico’s are emerging in good numbers in the morning with the larger Hecuba (fall drake) and Mahogany duns coming off afternoon. Cloudy days provide the best surface action on may flies but if the sun is bright hoppers can still bring up some good fish… Get out and enjoy one of the best seasons to be on the river………..

Dog Days Continued!

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Hot dry weather typical of August continues… Since the last report conditions have improved somewhat. Rain and cooler weather helped improve river conditions and hoot owl restrictions have been lifted on area rivers.. Cold water releases continue from Painted Rocks dam and are keeping the West Fork and upper Bitterroot in cool water… Not much happening in the way of hatches right now. Terrestrials are the name of the game with hoppers, beetles, and ants bringing some fish to the surface. Droppers are also key in getting down to the fish that won’t rise.. The lower Bitterroot is beginning to see some Trico’s but they are still a bit sporadic. It won’t be long until the weather cools and we begin to see the fall may fly hatches…

Dog Days!

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The dog days of summer are upon us and having an impact on fishing. River levels have dropped significantly and water temps are on the rise. Montana FWP has instituted Hoot Owl restrictions on the Blackfoot, Clark Fork, and lower Bitterroot from Tucker X-ing down stream to the confluence of the Clark Fork. Fishing is only permitted on these rivers from sunrise until 2pm to reduce stress on trout… The good news is there are still options for decent fishing. Water releases have begun from Painted Rocks dam that provide cold water flows on the West Fork… The upper Bitterroot is open all day but is seeing warm temps in the afternoon so I would leave that alone after 2 as well.. Terrestrials are the main attraction to bring trout to the surface, hoppers are working river wide and Spruce moths are out in good numbers on the West Fork… If you do venture up to the West Fork plan on seeing lots of people as its the only cold water around. Tricos are also showing on the main Bitterroot and can provide some great morning dry fly action… Get out, stay cool and do the rain dance….. See ya on the river…….

Refreshing Rains!

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The Bitterroot is actually on the rise today thanks to a few days of much needed rain. Before the storm river levels were dropping and warming fast. Abundant hatches are beginning to drop off but this should help improve dry fly fishing. There are still good numbers of PMD’s on the water late morning to early afternoon. Bitterroot stones are less abundant but are still bringing up some nice fish. Lots of smaller fish are rising which is typical of this time of year. Running a dropper down about 2 feet is getting some of the bigger trout.. See ya on the river!

River Dropping!

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The Bitterroot fishing is turning on with the runoff on the decline..Best action right now is on the East and West Forks but the main stem should begin to fish well as the current slows and more holding water is available for trout… Salmon flies have moved up the Bitterroot but are still emerging on the forks.. Golden Stones , Green Drakes, PMD’s are emerging river wide.. While the river is lower than normal for this time of year its still high and swift so use caution when wading and floating….

River rising!

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We have had a week of warm temperatures in the 70’s over the last week. While some folks like the weather these unseasonably high temps have put a damper on fishing…. The Bitterroot has risen significantly with melting snow brought on by the heat… Currently the river is running much higher than normal and off color… Not much opportunity for dry flies or even wets. There is a bit of a silver lining to all this.. The next few days are forecasted to be cooler (50’s) which will slow the melting process. The Bitterroot is leveling off and should clear and stabilize. While water levels will remain high the river should fish again… Stick to the softer water and side channels… There are abundant hatches currently, Skwala’s, Nemoura, March Brown, Gray drake, and BWO’s. Be safe and we’ll see ya on the river………….