Tip of the Week:
Having trouble seeing your smaller Blue Winged Olive fly on the surface? We have a couple solutions for this which can help you to stay locked in on your fly. The first solution is something you may be doing already, which is fishing a tandem rig. This time of year, fishing a larger fly in front with your Blue Wing pattern not too far behind is a good way to go. A March Brown pattern or a general attractor would be good options for the front fly. Alternatively, anglers may opt to go for a high visibility version of a smaller pattern. These are often just your favorite patterns with a parachute that is bright pink or orange. We offer these high visibility patterns for many of the smaller mayfly and midge dry fly patterns that we sell.
*See our 7 Day Outlook for updates on blockages jamming up the Bitterroot.
7 Day Outlook:
We are looking at some warmer weather conditions in the Bitterroot this week with some wet days early in the week. Sunday’s rain could certainly have an effect on the flows for the first couple days of the week. With warmer daytime temperatures and night time temperatures staying above freezing all week long, we don’t expect any radical bumps in flows from snowmelt, although this may start to change by the very end of the week.
If you are floating please use extreme caution. This river changes rapidly and is known for producing fatal log jams. Give us a call for an updated obstruction report. If you see any issues be sure to call us or send pics so we can share the same. Thanks.
*There are currently MANY obstructions on the Bitterroot.
Hannon-Wally: Several sweepers in this section. It is getting tougher as water drops.
Wally-Anglers: flows over Sleeping Child dam are always dicey! Don’t consider running after a scout unless you are highly skilled. The channel around the left side is too low to consider.
Vets-Woodside: More wood down between New Bridge and Blodgett Park. The river right channel will require careful scouting and likely boat dragging.
Woodside-Tucker: New tree down in right channel need to stay left here. The left channel at the split is open but be sure to choose your splits wisely, and the right channel over the diversion dam may need to be portaged. Have a look before you run it.
Tucker-Bell: Very sketchy in the channel through the woods now that the water has come up. Consider going somewhere else until runoff subsides.
Bell-Stevi: Follow the sign that says “GO LEFT” to miss the log jam. A new log is exposed in the “clear” channel so proceed with caution.
Stevi-Florence: Clear. Follow the water at any splits. As the river fluctuates it is smart to pull over and check for any potential changes.
When In Doubt, Eddy Out! As always, we want anglers to know that they are responsible for their own wellbeing when they are on the water. As an outfitter, we will try our best to bring known dangers to light, but conditions and obstructions are always changing and we can't possibly keep up with every danger that may present itself. When in doubt, eddy out and walk downstream to get a good look at what you're dealing with!
Best Techniques:
This week, anglers should be nymphing or fishing a dry-dropper in the mornings and then as hatches start to fire up in the afternoon they should switch to a tandem rig. While Skwalas are starting to taper off, we are continuing to see good hatches of Blue Wings in the afternoon with fish eating on top along the eddy lines and in the slicks. March Browns are also hatching in good numbers with the occasional Gray Drakes in the mix.
*Traveling or in a hurry? Let our knowledgeable staff pick a fly selection for you!
*The Online Store is updated daily! Check it out!
*Call us for up to the minute updates at 406.542.7411 or if you are in the area stop in for all your Orvis gear and the right bugs.