Fly Fishing Trips

Guided Fly Fishing & Cabin Stays — Gear for Everyone

Fish with us on the Bitterroot and Blackfoot rivers! Whether you’re new to the sport or an experienced fly angler, Lightweight Fly Shop offers guided trips, great gear, and comfortable cabins. Our shop is stocked for everyone — beginners, weekend warriors, and seasoned pros alike.

 

Operating in part under special use permit with Bitterroot National Forest under permit WF-1802, Blackfoot River under permit #38, the Upper Bitterroot River under permit UBWF-#4, Montana Board of Outfitters Licensee #1509, Andre Carlson.

Updated August 10th

Bitterroot River

Blackfoot River

Clark Fork

Rock Creek

Weather Outlook (Aug 20–26)

Expect hot and sunny days with highs ranging from mid-80s to low 90s°F. Mornings dip into the upper 40s to 50s°F, creating the best fishing windows early in the day. Remember: hoot-owl restrictions are active—fish only before 2 p.m. Keep a thermometer handy and consider packing water for both fish and people.

🦉 Hoot‑Owl Restrictions (Fishing Prohibited 2 p.m.–Midnight)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks enforces hoot‑owl restrictions when rising water temperatures and low flows pose risk to trout—typically when daily highs exceed 73 °F for three straight days(Montana FWP, Daily Montanan).

Bitterroot River

Upper Bitterroot (East and West Forks) to Hamilton and Lower Bitterroot from Hamilton to the Clark Fork River(Montana FWP).

Blackfoot River

from the Anaconda Creek–Beartrap Reach to its confluence with the Clark Fork River, effective August 2(Montana FWP).

Clark Fork River

Upper Clark Fork—from its origin at Warm Springs Creek through the confluence with the Blackfoot River(Montana FWP).

Rock Creek

Upper Rock Creek—from the West and Middle Fork confluence down to Stoney Creek, active since July 11(Montana FWP).

✅ Fishing Status at a Glance

RiverHoot‑Owl Status

  • Bitterroot Restrictions in effect statewide
  • Blackfoot Restrictions in effect on main stem
  • Clark Fork Restrictions in effect on upper section
  • Rock Creek Restrictions in effect on upper section

These restrictions remain active until the river temperatures drop and flow conditions improve.

Fly Box for the Week

  • Bitterroot Chubby Chernobyl, Water Walker, Henneberry Hopper, Twiggy (trico), Sparkle Flag, Plan B Foam Ant
  • Blackfoot Water Walker, Henneberry Hopper, Chubby Chernobyl, Pat’s Rubberlegs, Prince Nymph, Sparkle Minnow
  • Clark Fork Hopper-dropper combos, nocturnal stonefly, streamers (Sparkle Minnow, Kreelex)
  • Rock Creek Micro Chubby, Hippie Stomper, PMD Sparkle Dun, Darting Jig Nymph, Prince Nymph