Bitterroot Retreat And Adventures

Tag: photography

  • 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

  • Jodi Monahan Art at Lightweight Fly Shop: Original Oil Paintings Inspired by the Water

    Jodi Monahan Art at Lightweight Fly Shop: Original Oil Paintings Inspired by the Water

    Some art just stops you in your tracks. Jodi Monahan’s original oil paintings don’t just show fish, rivers, or landscapes—they capture the soul of fly fishing. At Lightweight Fly Shop, we’re honored to carry her one-of-a-kind oil paintings—each piece hand-painted, inspired by nature, and infused with emotion. These aren’t prints. They’re originals. And they belong in spaces where the love for water runs deep.

    Who Is Jodi Monahan?

    Jodi Monahan is an artist rooted in the rhythms of nature. Her pieces explore the beauty of trout, rivers, wildlife, and the deep calm of the outdoors.

    Each brushstroke reflects time spent on the water. Every canvas tells a quiet story—of still mornings, golden hours, and that peaceful hum that comes when everything just clicks.

    She paints from outdoor experiences, using texture, light, and color to evoke that unmistakable feeling anglers know so well: this is exactly where I want to be.

    Why We Carry Her Original Paintings at Lightweight Fly Shop

    There’s something powerful about an original.

    When you pick up one of Jodi’s paintings, you’re not just buying decor—you’re taking home a singular moment captured in oil. No two pieces are alike, and once it’s gone, it’s truly gone.

    We carry Jodi’s work because:

    • It reflects the beauty and emotion behind every cast
    • It supports a passionate, local artist with deep ties to the fly fishing lifestyle
    • It adds a layer of authenticity and soul to the shop
    • And frankly—it’s just stunning to look at

    Originals You’ll Find In Our Shop

    We rotate our collection regularly, but here are the kinds of original pieces you might find on our walls:

    1. Trout Portraits

    Up-close, textured, and detailed renderings of trout species in motion. Browns, rainbows, and cutthroats with their unique color palettes come to life in oil.

    2. River Landscapes

    From quiet bends to rushing riffles, these paintings bring the outdoors inside—with a softness that invites you to pause and breathe.

    3. Moment-Captured Pieces

    Sometimes it’s a casting silhouette, sometimes a rise in still water—these originals freeze those fleeting moments we often remember long after the fish is gone.

    No prints. No reproductions. Just the real thing, created by hand and ready to hang in a space that appreciates it.

    How Anglers Are Displaying Jodi’s Work

    Looking for ideas on where these paintings really shine?

    • Cabins & lodges – A natural fit for rustic walls and cozy corners
    • Fly tying benches – Inspiration right where creativity happens
    • Home offices – A daily reminder of what really matters
    • Gifts – For guides, partners, or anglers who already have everything

    Each painting is a true original—signed by the artist and steeped in meaning.

    FAQs About Jodi Monahan’s Original Oil Paintings

    Q: Are these pieces framed?
    Some come framed, others are stretched canvas ready to hang or frame to your taste. Details available in-store.

    Q: Do you sell prints or digital copies?
    Nope. We only offer original, one-of-a-kind oil paintings by Jodi Monahan.

    Q: Can I reserve or commission a piece?
    We sell originals first-come, first-served. For commissions, let us know—we’ll check availability directly with Jodi.

    Q: How often do new paintings come in?
    We bring in new work seasonally or when Jodi completes a new series. Each piece is unique, so check back often!

    Final Thoughts: Real Art for People Who Love the Real Outdoors

    There’s something irreplaceable about an original oil painting. The texture. The brushstrokes. The sense that someone poured their heart into it.

    Jodi Monahan’s work embodies what we love about fly fishing—the quiet, the color, the connection. We’re honored to hang her pieces on our walls and help them find good homes with people who truly appreciate wild places and wild things.

    Stop by Lightweight Fly Shop to see her latest work in person. But don’t wait too long—each piece is one of one, and when it’s gone, it’s gone.

  • Bajío Sunglasses at Lightweight Fly Shop: Polarized Performance with a Purpose

    Bajío Sunglasses at Lightweight Fly Shop: Polarized Performance with a Purpose

    Whether you’re stalking trout in the Rockies or scanning the flats for tailing reds, seeing clearly matters. Enter Bajío Sunglasses—a brand built by anglers, for anglers. With razor-sharp polarized lenses and a serious commitment to sustainability, Bajío helps you see fish better and fish longer. At Lightweight Fly Shop, we love their clarity, comfort, and clean environmental mission. These aren’t just shades—they’re tools of the trade.

    The Bajío Backstory: Born on the Water, Built for the Future

    “Bajío” (pronounced bah-hee-oh) means “shallows” in Spanish—and that name says it all. The brand was founded by a passionate group of guides, anglers, and visionaries who left the corporate world to make sunglasses that serve both people and the planet.

    Their team? Stacked with ex-Costa execs and legit fish fanatics.
    Their mission? Simple: Build next-level polarized lenses that enhance your vision and reduce your impact on the world’s oceans and rivers.

    Bajío isn’t just selling sunglasses—they’re advocating for healthier water systems, clean manufacturing, and the kind of gear that lasts.

    Why We Carry Bajío Sunglasses at Lightweight Fly Shop

    At Lightweight Fly Shop, we choose brands that match our values: passion, performance, and purpose. Bajío delivers all three in spades:

    • Top-tier optics: Their lenses are made with LAPIS™ technology to block more blue light and reduce eye fatigue
    • Sustainable materials: Frames made from plant-based, biodegradable materials
    • Serious fishing utility: Designed specifically for anglers—no fluff, just function
    • Support for clean water initiatives: They’re literally giving back to the fish and rivers we love

    When customers try on a pair, they can see the difference—and so can the fish.

    Best Bajío Styles We Carry

    Here are a few of our favorite Bajío frames that fly anglers are loving right now:

    🕶️ 1. Bales Beach

    A classic wrap-style frame perfect for long days on the water. Lightweight, durable, and secure even when you’re bending over to release that 20-inch cutthroat.

    🌊 2. Nato

    Sleek and modern with a wide field of vision—great for spotting rising fish or cruising tarpon in shallow water. Comes with venting to reduce fogging on humid days.

    🐟 3. Roca

    Perfect blend of coverage and comfort. Fits medium to large faces and comes with some of the most color-enhancing lenses we’ve seen.

    Each style is available with glass or polycarbonate lenses, depending on your preference for clarity vs. weight. Either way, you’re getting serious tech.

    Which Lens Color Is Right for You?

    Picking the right lens can make or break your experience on the water. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

    • Green Mirror: Killer for freshwater—think streams, lakes, and rivers.
    • Blue Mirror: Designed for bright, open water days—ideal for flats fishing or salt.
    • Copper Base: All-around option. Great contrast and clarity for mixed light.
    • Silver Mirror: Best for cloudy days or low light. A good “everyday” lens.

    If you’re not sure, swing by the shop—we’ll help you try on a few pairs and pick the best lens for your fishing style.

    FAQs: Bajío Sunglasses at Lightweight Fly Shop

    Q: Are Bajío sunglasses worth the price?
    Absolutely. They’re made with high-end optics and durable, eco-friendly materials that outperform a lot of the big brands—at a better value.

    Q: Do you carry both glass and polycarbonate lenses?
    Yep! We offer a range of lens options in both materials. Glass offers better clarity; poly is lighter and more impact-resistant.

    Q: Can I use Bajío shades off the water too?
    Of course! Their styles look great on the river and at the brewery afterward. Functional and fly.

    Q: What’s the warranty like?
    Bajío offers a solid warranty and repair program. They stand behind their product, which we love.

    Our Take: Bajío Brings Vision to Fly Fishing—Literally

    At the end of the day, great fishing is about more than just technique—it’s about seeing. Bajío helps you see better:

    • Clearer fish
    • Cleaner water
    • A bigger picture of how your gear impacts the planet

    We’re proud to offer Bajío Sunglasses at Lightweight Fly Shop because they check all the boxes: smart design, epic performance, and real heart.

    🎣 Whether you’re chasing browns in big water or hiking into a backcountry brookie stream, Bajío helps you see more, cast better, and fish longer. Come by the shop and try a few on—you’ll feel the difference the second you put them on.