Temperatures have warmed up in the last week and most of the ice is off the river. Highs have been in the 40’s and a couple days have been above 50. While we have received rain in the valley, the mountains are still getting snow.. Snow pack in the Bitterroot range is about 95% of normal. A little behind but not bad considering we have about 2 months left to add to the snow pack. A few folks have been out on the river but fishing is still slow. Fish streamers and nymphs deep and slow to get hooked up. On the warmer afternoons midges may come off and provide a short window of dry fly action… See ya on the river…………

Leaves are showing their color as we enter further into fall. The Bitterroot had its 1st frost a few days ago and the last few nights low temps have been getting into the high 20’s .. What does this mean for fishing? Trico’s and hoppers are beginning to wane but a few may linger on the warm sunny days.. Mayflies are the main menu with Mahoganies and Blue Winged Olives being the major hatches.. These bugs will come off in the afternoon and last for a few hours. Cloudy days produce more bugs and rising fish but as we get colder, fish will begin to feed more consistently even on bright days.. Before the hatch starts, run may fly nymph droppers in size #12 – #20.. October Caddis are emerging and can produce some exciting action not only on the Bitterroot but Blackfoot as well. The Clark Fork fishes well this time of year with pods of rising trout eating abundant may flies. Flows are quite low on all area rivers so floating can be harder and dragging the boat across shallow gravels bars will be necessary on most stretches. This is a great time to wade fish with easy access and concentrated fish. October is a magical time to fish in western Montana with beautiful fall colors, rising fish and less people on the rivers. So get out and enjoy the last great dry fly fishing of the season……See ya on the river!