The bitterroot bumped quite a bit last week after a good rain and some warm weather. The water has been on the drop the last few days and clarity is very good… The fish are beginning to respond by eating on the surface. The Skwala hatch is just getting going and improves daily… The best surface action is in the afternoon as water temps warm and bugs start moving.. If you are fishing early and not seeing risers a skwala nymph below your dry should hook you up. The small dark stones (capnia & nemoura) are out as well . I have only seen a few may flies but they should be emerging in good numbers soon and help get the fish eating.. Fish are holding in the slower water so focus on those areas and skip the riffles for now… See ya on the river…… ~ ><(((*>

Now that the holidays are over, thoughts have turned to the upcoming fishing season. Fly tying and gear repairs are underway. Snowpack in the Bitterroot is looking very good at 125% of normal. If this trend continues we are looking at another good water year. I will update the report with current weather and snow conditions over the coming months. The river is open thanks to mild temps in the valley. Streamers and nymphs fished slow and deep will pick up some fish on the warmer days .. It’s hard to believe that the famous Skwala hatch is only 2 months way.. See ya on the river!

Cool nights and beautiful fall weather has arrived in western Montana.. The fall hatches have arrived and the trout are beginning to respond. Trico’s are coming off in the morning and afternoon brings a varied selection of may flies… Hecuba’s , mahoganies, and BWO’s are all on the fish’s radar. Cloudy days produce better dry fly action with may flies but you can still find risers on the shady banks. On the sunny afternoons hoppers are still bringing up fish from the depths.. Droppers are getting their share of fish on the bright days as well….. This is also a great time of year to fish the Blackfoot and Clark fork rivers…. see ya on the river………..