Bitterroot Retreat And Adventures

Category: Fishing Report

  • Western Montana Fly Fishing Report

    Western Montana Fly Fishing Report

    Week Starting: Friday, December 26, 2025
    Lightweight Fly Shop – Stevensville, Montana

    Weather Forecast (Stevensville Area)

    • Fri 12/26: Mostly cloudy – High 44°F / Low 26°F
    • Sat 12/27: Cloudy, colder with snow showers – High 31°F / Low 9°F
    • Sun 12/28: Sun/clouds – High 26°F / Low 15°F
    • Mon 12/29: Clouds then brighter – High 37°F / Low 26°F
    • Tue 12/30: Mostly cloudy – High 42°F / Low 27°F
    • Wed 12/31: Considerable cloudiness – High 43°F / Low 29°F
    • Thu 1/1: Cloudy – High 43°F / Low 32°F

    Best fishing window: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (when water temps peak and ice loosens up a bit).

    Restrictions & Closures

    As of today, FWP’s current emergency restrictions list does not show hoot-owl or drought restrictions for the Bitterroot, Blackfoot mainstem, Clark Fork, or Rock Creek. (Winter wins for once.) Montana FWP
    Always double-check local access for ice hazards and seasonal regs.

    Current Conditions Snapshot

    • Bitterroot River (near Darby gauge): ~627 CFS (12/26 late morning) USGS Water Data
    • Blackfoot River (near Bonner gauge): ~1,620 CFS and ~3.4°C / 38°F (12/26 late morning) USGS Water Data
    • Clark Fork (above Missoula gauge): ~2,920 CFS (12/26 midday) USGS Water Data

    River Reports

    Bitterroot River

    Conditions: Winter-clear with cold overnight lows. Expect shelf ice in slower edges and shaded banks, plus the occasional anchor ice situation after the cold snap. Flows are holding around ~627 CFS near Darby, which keeps some water moving and fishable in the right places. USGS Water Data

    Note: Strong winds have been affecting the area recently. Use EXTREME caution if you’re floating, as there may be blockages that have not been reported.

    Where to fish:

    • Soft inside seams, deep tailouts, and slow walking-speed runs
    • Midday sun lanes (yes, trout like warmth too)

    How to fish it:

    • Indicator nymphing with long drifts, minimal movement
    • Tight-line/Euro with enough weight to stay honest (bottom is the goal)

    Go-to winter combo:

    • Lead nymph: Firebead PT / Frenchie / Jig Hare’s Ear
    • Trailer: Zebra Midge (black/red/purple)

    Blackfoot River

    Conditions: Good winter option right now. The gauge is showing ~1,620 CFS with water temp ~3.4°C / 38°F, which is cold but very fishable if you time it right. USGS Water Data

    Where to fish:

    • Deep slow pools, soft edges below riffles, inside bends
    • Avoid sketchy frazil/edge ice zones

    How to fish it:

    • Longer leaders + smaller bugs
    • If you’re not ticking bottom occasionally, you’re basically just decorating the river

    Top patterns:

    • Wire Worm / San Juan Worm (when the water has a hint of color)
    • Zebra Midge + small mayfly nymphs

    Clark Fork River

    Conditions: One of the more consistent winter bets. Flows around ~2,920 CFS above Missoula means plenty of water and a lot of “find the soft seam” structure. USGS Water Data

    Where to fish:

    • Big slow inside bends, back-eddies, seams off gravel bars
    • Avoid fast main-current hero casts

    How to fish it:

    • Indicator nymphing shines here: longer drifts, heavier rig, slower water
    • Streamers can work in winter, but think “short and slow,” not “strip like a maniac”

    Top patterns:

    • Pink Squirrel / Sowbug-style bugs
    • Zebra Midge
    • Copper John / Firebead PT

    Rock Creek

    Conditions: Beautiful. Cold. Slippery. Usually lower and clearer, with ice developing faster in shaded stretches. This is a “pick your spots” river in winter.

    Where to fish:

    • Lower elevation stretches, sunny runs, deeper pockets
    • Be extra cautious wading: rocks + ice = bad math

    How to fish it:

    • Small flies, light tippet, clean drifts
    • Short-line nymphing works great in pocket water when conditions allow

    Top patterns:

    • Zebra Midge
    • Frenchie / small PT
    • Lightning Bug–style jig nymphs

    Hatch & Fly Chart – Winter Edition

    Food SourceWhenPatterns
    MidgesLate morning–afternoonZebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat
    Baetis (BWO)Occasional mild afternoonsSmall BWO nymphs, BWO emergers
    WormsAll winter (especially after bump in flow/color)San Juan Worm, Squirmy Wormy
    Stonefly nymphsAll winterPat’s Rubberlegs (small), black stones

    Fly Box for the Week

    • Zebra Midge (black/red/purple)
    • Firebead Pheasant Tail / Frenchie
    • Pink Squirrel / sowbug patterns
    • Lightning Bug / Jig nymphs
    • San Juan Worm / Wire Worm
    • Pat’s Rubberlegs (small)

    Gear Picks – Lightweight Fly Shop

    • Indicators: Oros (easy adjustments even with cold hands… sort of)
    • Leaders/Tippet: Long leaders + lighter tippet for winter stealth
    • Rods: 9’6”–10’ nymphing-friendly setups for better drift control
    • Eyewear: Bajío polarized (winter glare is still glare)

    Plan Your Trip

    Winter fishing is about timing and precision. If you want the best shot: fish midday, slow down, get deep, and keep releases quick.

    Guided trips + cabin stays are available year-round (weather permitting).
    Book / shop: lightweightflyshop.com

  • Western Montana Fly Fishing Report

    Western Montana Fly Fishing Report

    Week of December 18, 2025
    Lightweight Fly Shop – Stevensville, Montana

    Weather Outlook

    Winter has fully settled into the Bitterroot Valley.

    • Daytime highs: Mid-20s to mid-30s°F
    • Overnight lows: Single digits to teens
    • Conditions: Cold mornings, occasional snow, icy banks in shaded areas

    Best Fishing Window: Late morning to early afternoon, when air and water temperatures peak.

    River Conditions Overview

    Cold water, slow metabolism, and technical fishing are the name of the game. Expect fewer fish, but solid rewards for anglers willing to nymph slow and deep.

    River Reports

    Bitterroot River

    • Conditions: Low, clear winter flows with shelf ice forming along banks in colder stretches.
    • Fishing: Subsurface only. Focus on deep, slow seams and tailouts where fish stack up for winter.
    • Techniques: Indicator nymphing or tight-line rigs with plenty of weight. Slow everything down.
    • Top Flies: Zebra Midge, Firebead Pheasant Tail, Pink Squirrel, Pat’s Rubberlegs (smaller sizes)

    Blackfoot River

    • Conditions: Cold, stable winter flows. Some sections may have ice along edges, but main current remains open.
    • Fishing: Short feeding windows mid-day. Fish are concentrated in deep pools and soft inside bends.
    • Techniques: Heavy nymph rigs fished near the bottom. Minimal movement is key.
    • Top Flies: Wire Worm, Zebra Midge, Rainbow Warrior, Split Case PMD

    Clark Fork River

    • Conditions: One of the best winter options due to consistent flows and slightly warmer water temps.
    • Fishing: Most reliable winter fishing in the area. Mid-day nymphing can be very productive.
    • Techniques: Indicator rigs with long drifts through slow runs. Avoid fast water.
    • Top Flies: Copper John, Firebead PT, Zebra Midge, San Juan Worm

    Rock Creek

    • Conditions: Cold, icy, and technical. Snow-covered access and slick rocks common.
    • Fishing: Limited but possible in lower elevation stretches during warm afternoons.
    • Techniques: Euro-nymphing or light indicator rigs in deeper pockets.
    • Top Flies: Small Zebra Midges, Frenchies, Lightning Bugs

    Hatch & Fly Chart – Winter Edition

    Food SourceTimingEffective Patterns
    MidgesLate morning–early afternoonZebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat
    Baetis (BWOs)Rare, warm afternoonsSmall BWO nymphs
    WormsAll winterSan Juan Worm, Squirmy
    Stonefly NymphsAll winterPat’s Rubberlegs (small)

    Fly Box for the Week

    • Zebra Midge (black, red, purple)
    • Firebead Pheasant Tail
    • Pink Squirrel
    • San Juan Worm
    • Frenchie
    • Copper John
    • Pat’s Rubberlegs (sizes 8–12)

    Gear Picks – Lightweight Fly Shop

    • Rods: 10’ 3–5wt for nymph control
    • Leaders: Long, thin winter leaders
    • Indicators: Oros – easy to adjust with cold hands
    • Apparel: Layered insulation, fingerless gloves, cleated boots
    • Sunglasses: Bajío polarized – low winter sun still glares

    Winter Fishing Tips

    • Watch anchor ice and shelf ice near banks
    • Keep releases quick to protect cold-stressed fish
    • Expect fewer eats—but better fish when it clicks
    • Bring a thermos. This is not summer.

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

    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

    RiverStatusHours Closed
    BitterrootEntire river2 p.m.–Midnight
    BlackfootEntire mainstem2 p.m.–Midnight
    Clark ForkUpper section2 p.m.–Midnight
    Rock CreekUpper section2 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