Tip of the Week:
Not sure what size fly you should be tying on? Here’s our advice: when the water clarity isn’t great, opt for those larger flies in your box. If a feeding trout is presented with a mayfly nymph and a stonefly nymph, they’re more likely to see that larger stonefly nymph in muddy water. Larger streamer patterns, worms and nymphs are all worthy contenders for the days where the water clarity is lacking.
*See our 7 Day Outlook for updates on blockages jamming up the Bitterroot.
7 Day Outlook:
We are looking at some mixed weather conditions in the Missoula valley this week with some wet and cloudy days with the sun peeking through at times. With mild daytime temperatures and night time temperatures mostly staying above freezing this week, we don’t expect any radical bumps in flows from snowmelt, although flows will likely go up gradually throughout the week as we get rain.
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: Last week’s new sweeper has been cleared away. 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:
Nymphing and streamer fishing will be the bread and butter this week, however definitely be prepared for some dry fly fishing opportunities in the afternoons this week. We have seen great hatches of Blue Wings so bring a few of your favorite parachutes and cripples in #16-18. There are also some Gray Drakes and March Browns in the mix so tying on a Brindle Chute or Trina’s Carnage Gray Drake in #12-14 can be productive. Browns. Larger streamers like Double Gongas, Envys and Articulated Sparkle Minnows have been fishing well tight to rocky and woody structure.
*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.
