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!

Last week FWP lifted the Hoot Owl restrictions on the Bitterroot, Blackfoot and Clark Fork. Shorter days and cooler nights have water temps down to safe levels for trout… Fishing is starting to shift over with the cooler temps as well.. Terrestrials such as hoppers and ants are bringing fish up but we are also beginning to see the start of the early fall hatches. Tricos are emerging in good numbers on the entire Bitterroot and the Fall Drake or Hecubas are coming off as well. Tricos are getting fish in the mornings and by mid day switch over to Hecubacs and hoppers to get it done… See ya on the river…..