Bitterroot Snowpack Hits 100%

/in /by

After running below normal for most of the winter the Bitterroot snowpack finally has bumped up to 100% of normal. Recent storms off the Pacific have brought heavy mountain snow and valley rain to western Montana. There is still snow and ice on the valley floor but a recent warm spell is breaking up river ice and opening up the river… Not many fishing opportunities currently but the Skwala hatch is only 4-6 weeks away. As the weather warms fish should start moving and looking to bulk up on the spring stoneflies.

May Flies!

/in /by

October is here and the great dry fly action continues on the Bitterroot. We’ve had some decent rains in the last week and the river is in great shape for floating and fishing. May flies are the name of the game right now. There are still some Trico’s and Hecuba’s emerging but there numbers are beginning to drop off and become less of a factor. Mahogany duns and Blue Winged Olives are coming off in good numbers and are bringing up lots of trout… Best fishing is in the afternoon , before that run a hopper dropper rig with various may fly nymphs to get you hooked up until the fish begin to rise. See ya on the river!

Fall at Last!

/in /by

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!

/in /by

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!

/in /by

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!

/in /by

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!