Bitterroot Retreat And Adventures

Tag: 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 25th

    Weather for Stevensville, MT:

    Current Conditions: Sunny, 57°F (14°C)

    Daily Forecast:

    • Monday, August 25: Low: 55°F (13°C), High: 90°F (32°C), Description: Sun through high clouds
    • Tuesday, August 26: Low: 54°F (12°C), High: 88°F (31°C), Description: Increasing cloudiness
    • Wednesday, August 27: Low: 59°F (15°C), High: 79°F (26°C), Description: Mostly cloudy
    • Thursday, August 28: Low: 55°F (13°C), High: 77°F (25°C), Description: Cloudy with a thunderstorm in parts of the area in the afternoon
    • Friday, August 29: Low: 48°F (9°C), High: 82°F (28°C), Description: Partly sunny with a thundershower in spots in the afternoon
    • Saturday, August 30: Low: 49°F (9°C), High: 84°F (29°C), Description: Mostly sunny
    • Sunday, August 31: Low: 47°F (8°C), High: 85°F (29°C), Description: Mostly sunny”

    Western Montana Fishing Report – Week of August 25, 2025

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

    Weather Outlook & Best Fishing Window

    The week brings hot summer weather, with highs climbing to the low 90s°F and cooling off into the mid-50s°F through the night—ideal for early fly time. Stick to morning sessions only; hoot-owl restrictions are active in many sections from 2 p.m. until midnight, so plan your day accordingly.

    River-by-River Detailed Report

    Bitterroot River

    • Current Conditions: Flow remains low (~440 cfs at Darby), and midday water temperatures are climbing—hot enough to stress trout.
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    • Fishing Trends: Dry-dropper setups remain very productive, with Chubby Chernobyls, Water Walkers, Henneberry Hoppers, and low-profile attractors like Plan B, Hop-Drop-And-Roll, and various foam ants proving effective. Early-season Trico spinners are showing sporadic activity—Twiggy and Sparkle Flag patterns are prime for picky risers. Streamer tactics (Sparkle Minnows, Kreelex, Overcoats) continue to score between hatches.
      Hoppers and stoneflies also remain top choices, especially early.
    • Hoot-Owl Alert: Restrictions active on the entire river—fish only before 2 p.m.
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    Blackfoot River

    • Current Conditions: Flows are low (~330 cfs near Bonner) with water in the mid-to-upper 60s°F.
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    • Fishing Trends: Terrestrials dominate—from Water Walkers and Chubby Chernobyls to Hoppers. Underneath, try Pat’s Rubberlegs, TJ Hookers, Prince Nymphs, or Perdigons. Streamer action remains reliable, especially early or under cloud cover—Sparkle Minnows, Kreelex, and Lil Kim still triggering strikes.
    • Hoot-Owl Alert: The entire mainstem is closed from 2 p.m.–midnight. Early start is essential.
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    Clark Fork River

    • Current Conditions: Upstream hoot-owl restrictions are in place; midday temps remain elevated, with morning conditions best for bites.
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    • Fishing Trends: Anglers report success with hopper-dropper systems, plus nocturnal stonefly imitations and flashy streamers in shaded, deeper runs.
    • Hoot-Owl Alert: Upper sections are under 2 p.m.–midnight closure.

    Rock Creek

    • Current Conditions: Upper sections are under hoot-owl restrictions due to heat and low flow.
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    • Fishing Trends: Traditional dry-dropper tactics still deliver—Micro Chubbies, Hippie Stompers, PMD Sparkle Duns, with Prince or tungsten jig nymphs beneath. Approach quietly; fish are chain-deep in fast, oxygenated pockets.

    Hoot-Owl Restrictions Summary

    RiverSection AffectedClosure Hours
    BitterrootEntire River2 p.m. – Midnight
    BlackfootEntire Mainstem2 p.m. – Midnight
    Clark ForkUpper Section2 p.m. – Midnight
    Rock CreekUpper Section2 p.m. – Midnight

    Fly Box for the Week

    Bitterroot:

    • Chubby Chernobyl, Water Walker, Henneberry Hopper, Plan B, Foam Ant, Twiggy or Sparkle Flag (Trico)

    Blackfoot:

    • Water Walker, Chubby Chernobyl, Pat’s Rubberlegs, TJ Hooker, Sparkle Minnow

    Clark Fork:

    • Hopper-dropper combinations, nocturnal stonefly, streamers (Sparkle Minnow, Kreelex)

    Rock Creek:

    • Micro Chubby, PMD Sparkle Dun, Tungsten jig nymphs (e.g., Prince)

    Gear Picks from Lightweight Fly Shop

    • Rods: EVOs & Technica—perfect for light, delicate presentations in low water
    • Indicators: Oros Strike Indicators—easy to customize on-the-fly
    • Sunglasses: Bajío polarized—for clarity in bright light
    • Leaders/Tippet: Airflo & Rio—for stealthy presentations in clear, low water

    Plan Your Week

    Make the most of that sweet morning bite with a half or full-day guided trip on the Bitterroot or Blackfoot. Then, retreat to one of our cozy cabins—just minutes from the river—to relax between sessions.
    Reserve today: lightweightflyshop.com