Bitterroot River Fishing Report

Tip of the Week:

What's better than fishing a streamer? Well... fishing two streamers, of course! For starters, you're going to want to make sure you have some trusted single hook streamers on deck for this one. Here in Montana, we aren't allowed to use enough hooks to run a double articulated streamer rig. You'll want a short and stout leader to make sure you can turn over both flies, ideally somewhere in the 4-8ft range and tapered down to no smaller than about 1X. Rig up your first streamer using a clinch knot to tie it on. Using about three feet of tippet, attach your second streamer to the bend of the hook on your first fly with a clinch knot. Using the tippet you just attached to the first fly, tie on your second streamer using a non-slip mono loop for a swimmy presentation. That's about as complicated as you need to make it, but if you want to learn more about this strategy we'll leave it to our friends over at Orvis, they've got a great article on different ways you can adapt this idea to your own applications. Check it out here: https://news.orvis.com/fly-fishing/classic-pro-tips-tandem-streamer-rigs-fall-trout?adv=587694&cm_mmc=Google-_-All-_-orvisnonbrand-_-170789342129-_-&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw68K4BhAuEiwAylp3khlNtNekXcZ4Vdt_47-sI_Ij29q7kiXG3DS8Py_hwXq6lPn_htaykhoC9a0QAvD_BwE

*See our 7 Day Outlook for updates on blockages jamming up the Bitterroot. 

7 Day Outlook: 

In the Bitterroot valley, this week's weather forecast is looking more like what we expect out of mid-October. We'll be getting scattered showers and clouds throughout the week and it appears that we may finally see some nighttime temperatures dip below freezing. This weather will be accompanied by some breezy days as well but nothing too crazy.

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:

In the Bitterroot Valley, fishing has been a bit slower than we'd like but that hasn't stopped us from enjoying the beautiful fall weather from on the river. This past week, anglers didn't see as many dry fly eaters but nymphing and streamer fishing were productive. With the change in weather we may see more Blue Winged Olives this week. Keep an eye out for BWOs during late morning and early afternoon. In the evenings, keep your eyes peeled for October Caddis as well, they've been out there! Make sure to stop by and grab some of our new October Caddis and BWO patterns so you're well prepared! If you're nymphing, fish smaller mayfly nymphs, stonefly nymphs, and larger caddis pupa patterns. If you're fishing streamers, make sure you're fishing darker colored flies on those cloudy days. Olive and black streamers are a good bet in these conditions.

*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 gear and the right bugs.

DRIES
Para. Adams Sparkle Purple #12-18
Clook's Beefcake Hecuba #12
Morrish October Caddis Adult #12
Mahogany Sparkle Dun #14-16
Parachute BWO #18-20
Missing Link BWO #13-20

NYMPHS
TJ Hooker #8-12 - Brown/Coffee
Hot Bead Power Worm #06-10
Jig Prince #8-12
Frenchie #12-14
Perdigons and Bullets #12-14
Duracell #12-16
Hot Bead Rubber Legs #8-12 - Black

STREAMERS
Lil' Kim #04-08
Wooly Bugger/Thin Mint #6-10
Sparkle Minnow #04-08
Kreelex #04-06
Micro Dungeons #10 - Tan, Olive, White
Mini Ice Pick #6
Double Gonga #4-8
Drunk & Disorderly #4-8 - Olive, Black