Western Montana Fishing Report – Week of August 10, 2025

🎣 Western Montana Fishing Report – Week of August 10, 2025

Bitterroot • Blackfoot • Clark Fork • Rock Creek
Brought to you by Lightweight Fly Shop – Stevensville, MT

🌤 Weather Outlook (Aug 10–16)

Hot summer conditions continue with highs in the upper 80s to mid-90s°F. Mornings in the 50s–60s°F will offer the coolest water and most active fish. Best fishing window: first light until 2 p.m. — after that, hoot-owl restrictions are in effect. Mid-week heat may push temps higher, so be sure to carry a thermometer.

🐟 River Reports

Bitterroot River

Flow & Temps: ~440 cfs at Darby / ~240 cfs at Bell Crossing. Morning temps low 60s°F, approaching 70°F by afternoon.
Fishing: Strong morning dry-fly bite with caddis, Tricos, and hoppers. Shade lines, riffle corners, and bankside pockets are producing.
Top Flies: Elk Hair Caddis (#14-16), Parachute Trico (#18-20), Tan Hopper (#10-12), Pheasant Tail (#16-18).
Tip: Long leaders (12’+) with 5x tippet help in clear water.
Hoot-Owl: Entire river from East/West Fork to the Clark Fork — 2 p.m.–midnight closure.

Blackfoot River

Flow & Temps: ~450 cfs at Bonner. Morning temps mid-60s°F, warming quickly.
Fishing: Spruce moths are the ticket mid-morning. Dry-dropper rigs with big foam dries and tungsten nymphs are producing in seams and pocket water. Early streamer bite is solid on overcast mornings.
Top Flies: Spruce Moth (#12-14), Potter’s Moth (#12-14), Chubby Chernobyl (#10-12), Frenchie Jig (#14-16), Sparkle Minnow (Olive).
Tip: A 6wt rod handles big foam and small streamers well.
Hoot-Owl: Entire mainstem — 2 p.m.–midnight closure.

Clark Fork River

Flow & Temps: Moderate summer flows; temps low 60s°F early, high 60s°F by afternoon.
Fishing: Best early with hopper-dropper setups. Foam stones or hoppers above smaller tungsten nymphs are finding fish. Shady banks and deeper pools holding trout.
Top Flies: Henneberry Hopper (#8-10), Chubby Chernobyl (#8-10), Spanish Bullet Jig (#14-16), Pat’s Rubberlegs (#8-10), Mini Dungeon (Black).
Tip: Cover water quickly — fish are podded up in the best oxygenated zones.
Hoot-Owl: Upper section from Warm Springs to Blackfoot confluence — 2 p.m.–midnight closure.

Rock Creek

Flow & Temps: ~250 cfs at the mouth. Clear, low, and cool early.
Fishing: Smaller terrestrials and attractor dries over tungsten jig nymphs are producing. Target faster runs and deep pockets for the most consistent action.
Top Flies: Micro Chubby (#14-16), Hippie Stomper (#14-16), PMD Sparkle Dun (#16-18), Jig Duracell (#14-16), Prince Nymph (#14-16).
Tip: Stealth counts — approach from downstream and use shorter, accurate casts.
Hoot-Owl: Upper section from West/Middle Fork to Stoney Creek — 2 p.m.–midnight closure.

🦉 Hoot-Owl Restrictions Summary

River	Status	Hours Closed
Bitterroot	Entire river	2 p.m.–Midnight
Blackfoot	Entire mainstem	2 p.m.–Midnight
Clark Fork	Upper section	2 p.m.–Midnight
Rock Creek	Upper section	2 p.m.–Midnight

🎒 Gear Picks from Lightweight Fly Shop

Rods: EVOs & Technica — perfect for delicate presentations in low water.
Indicators: Oros Strike Indicators — simple, effective, and adjustable.
Sunglasses: Bajío polarized — cut glare, spot fish in bright summer sun.
Leaders/Tippet: Airflo & Rio — stealth rigs for picky trout.
Local Art: Original oil paintings by Jodi Monahan — Montana beauty for your home.

📅 Book Your Adventure

Beat the heat with full- or half-day guided trips on the Bitterroot & Blackfoot Rivers. After fishing, relax in our cozy cabin rentals just minutes from the river.
📍 Reserve now: lightweightflyshop.com

Western Montana Fishing Report – Week of August 10, 2025