Fishing Reports
Updated August 31st
Bitterroot River
Bitterroot River
- Conditions: Low, warming water; cool mornings warming toward midday.
Dry-dropper setups with foam hoppers, Water Walkers, and Chubby Chernobyls are effective. Early Trico spinners still get rising trout in calm riffles. Be at the water early—but note that only lower sections are open after 2 p.m.
Blackfoot River
Blackfoot River
- Conditions: Very low flows (360 cfs at Bonner), water temps in the mid‑60s°F—ideal for wading. Early terrestrial action is strong—hoppers, ants, Berg worked well, paired with Pat’s Rubberlegs, Perdigons, and Sparkle Minnows, especially in mornings.
Reminder: full mainstem closed from 2 p.m.
Clark Fork
Clark Fork River
- Now fully open all day. Expect active mornings with dry-dropper rigs, foam hoppers, and streamer presentations in deeper runs—no hoot-owl here.
Rock Creek
Rock Creek
- Upper section remains under a hoot-owl closure; fish early if you're heading upstream.
Dry-droppers with Micro Chubby, PMD Sparkle Duns, and tungsten-nymph drops like Prince or Frenchie do well in fast pockets.
Weather Forecast
Weather Summary (Aug 31 – Sept 6)
Days remain hot and dry, with highs ranging from mid-80s to mid-90s°F—making early mornings the prime time to fish.
Overnight lows in the low 50s°F offer short relief.
Heat advisories midweek call for caution—bring water, sun protection, and watch stream temperatures closely when fishing.
🚫 Hoot-Owl Restrictions – Updated Status
RiverSection AffectedStatus as of Aug 29
BitterrootUpper: East/West Forks → Veterans Bridge Hoot-owl active (2 p.m.–midnight)
Lower: Veterans Bridge → Clark Fork Open all day
Blackfoot Entire mainstem Hoot-owl active (2 p.m.–midnight)
Clark Fork Entire river Restrictions lifted
Rock Creek Upper: West/Middle Fork → Stoney Creek Hoot-owl active (2 p.m.–midnight)
Fly Box Checklist
- Bitterroot (Upper): Chubby Chernobyl, Water Walker, Henneberry Hopper, Plan B Foam Ant, Twiggy Trico
- Bitterroot (Lower): Same lineup plus PMD Sparkle Dun
- Blackfoot: Water Walker, Chubby Chubby, TJ Hooker, Prince, Perigon
- Clark Fork: Foam Hopper + tungsten nymphs + streamers
- Rock Creek: Micro Chubby, PMD Sparkle Dun, Hippie Stomper, Tungsten jig nymphs
Tips from Lightweight Fly Shop
- Rods: EVOs & Technica—perfect for finesse in low-water
- Indicators: Oros Strike—dial in your dropper length on the fly
- Sunglasses: Bajío polarized—spot fish in bright light
- Tippet: Airflo & Rio—get stealthy with fine rigs
Strategy: “Early & Smart”
- Beat the heat and release stressed trout by fishing before 2 p.m.
- Factor in cooler mornings, and if you're on the Bitterroot, consider targeting the lower stretch after midday when conditions allow.
- Book now for morning trips and reserve cozy cabins to relax midday.
Ready to plan your trip or stay? Call us today!
