Tag: Stevensville

  • 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.
      (turn0search0)
    • 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.
      (turn0search0)

    Blackfoot River

    • Current Conditions: Flows are low (~330 cfs near Bonner) with water in the mid-to-upper 60s°F.
      (turn0search3)
    • 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.
      (turn0search1)

    Clark Fork River

    • Current Conditions: Upstream hoot-owl restrictions are in place; midday temps remain elevated, with morning conditions best for bites.
      (turn0search2)
    • 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.
      (turn0search2)
    • 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

  • 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

  • See the Water Like Never Before – Bajío Sunglasses Are Here!

    See the Water Like Never Before – Bajío Sunglasses Are Here!

    If you’re a fly fisherman in the Bitterroot Valley, you already know—success on the water starts with what you can see. The right sunglasses don’t just reduce glare; they reveal a whole new world beneath the surface. That’s why we’re beyond excited to introduce Bajío Sunglasses to our lineup! Come check them out at Lightweight Fly shop today!

    Why Bajío? Because Sight is Everything.

    Born for anglers, Bajío’s polarized lenses are engineered to cut through glare like a hot knife through butter, giving you an ultra-clear view of fish, structure, and every subtle movement beneath the water. Whether you’re stalking wild cutthroat in the Bitterroot or hunting monster browns in the Madison, these shades are the secret weapon your gear bag has been missing.

    What Makes Bajío Stand Out?

    ✅ Next-Level Polarization – Eliminate glare, reduce eye strain, and experience unmatched clarity.
    ✅ Blue Light Blocking Technology – Keeps your eyes feeling fresh, even after marathon days on the river.
    ✅ Sustainable & Lightweight Frames – Performance-driven design that’s comfortable enough for all-day wear.

    Upgrade Your Fishing Game

    Montana’s rivers are demanding—your gear should be, too. Don’t let subpar shades be your weak link. Bajío’s cutting-edge lens technology gives you an undeniable advantage where it counts.

    Stop by and check out the latest styles—we’ll help you find the perfect pair for your next adventure. Because when you see better, you fish better. 🎣🔥

    Final Thoughts

    Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting started, Bajío Sunglasses will change the way you see the water—literally. Swing by Lightweight Fly Shop, try on a pair and experience the difference for yourself.

    Ready to level up your vision? We’ll see you on the river. 👀🎣

    Want More Fishing Gear Tips & Updates?

    Stay in the loop with the latest gear, fishing reports, and pro tips—follow us for more!

  • “Cast, Reel, Relax: Newly Remodeled Cabins Open for Fly Fishing Adventures!”

    “Cast, Reel, Relax: Newly Remodeled Cabins Open for Fly Fishing Adventures!”

    Exciting news for all fly fishing enthusiasts! After a complete remodel, our guest cabins are now open for business, offering the perfect retreat for your next fly fishing getaway. We’re thrilled to welcome you to our two newly renovated cabins, each designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer retreat, our cabins provide a cozy, modern base for your adventures.

    Not only do you get a relaxing place to stay, but you’ll also have access to our onsite fly fishing shop, stocked with all the gear and expertise you need. Located just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Bitterroot River, our property offers unparalleled access to prime fly fishing spots right at your doorstep. Imagine waking up, grabbing your gear, and stepping straight into some of the best fly fishing waters around—all without the hassle of a long drive!

    So pack your rods and reels, and come experience the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Our cabins are ready to provide you with a memorable escape, filled with great fishing, stunning natural scenery, and a welcoming community of fellow fly fishing lovers. Book your stay today and get ready to cast your line into a new chapter of relaxation and excitement!

  • Meet Otto: The Cow Who Traded the Nevada Desert for Montana Meadows

    Meet Otto: The Cow Who Traded the Nevada Desert for Montana Meadows

    Today, we’re excited to share the heartwarming story of Otto—a gentle cow with a journey as unique as it is inspiring. Once orphaned in the harsh, sunbaked deserts of Nevada, Otto’s early days were filled with challenges. But fate had something special in store for him. Rescued and brought to our property in Montana, he quickly found solace and a new beginning in our expansive, green pasture.

    Now, Otto is living his best life under the wide Montana sky. He spends his days grazing peacefully, enjoying the crisp mountain air, and soaking up the serene beauty of his new home. It’s amazing to see how quickly he adapted, forming bonds with his new friends and proving that even the toughest starts can lead to a life filled with comfort and joy.

    Otto’s journey is a powerful reminder that every creature deserves a chance to thrive. His story—from the unforgiving Nevada desert to the welcoming embrace of Montana—embodies resilience, hope, and the magic of second chances. We’re incredibly proud to have him as part of our family and look forward to sharing more of his adventures in the days to come.

  • Hook, Line, and Construction: Our New Fly Shop is Coming Soon!

    Hook, Line, and Construction: Our New Fly Shop is Coming Soon!

    We’re excited to share that our brand-new fly shop is currently under construction—and we can’t wait for you to see it! Designed with fly fishing enthusiasts in mind, our upcoming shop will soon be your one-stop destination for all things fly fishing. Whether you’re looking for the latest gear, expert advice, or just a friendly chat about the best local spots, our team is working hard to build a space that caters to both seasoned anglers and newcomers alike.

    While the shop is taking shape, we invite you to follow along on our progress. We’ll be sharing sneak peeks of the design, updates on the gear and services we plan to offer, and plenty of behind-the-scenes moments as we transform our vision into reality. Get ready to discover a place where quality equipment meets a passion for fly fishing, all right here in our community. Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready to gear up for your next adventure!