The Bitterroot is in full late-summer mode, and while flows are low and the afternoons are warming up, mornings have been providing steady action. From Darby down through the middle river, clarity is excellent and fish are looking up. This is prime time to fish small attractors, hoppers, and a variety of terrestrials.
Current Conditions
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Flows: Around 430 cfs at Darby and 240 cfs at Bell Crossing.
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Water Temps: Mid-60s by early afternoon, so the best fishing window is early morning through early afternoon.
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Restrictions: Hoot Owl rules are in effect from the Forks downstream to the Clark Fork, meaning no fishing after 2 p.m.
Fishing Outlook
Our guides are seeing consistent dry-fly fishing during the mornings. Tricos and PMDs are still around, and fish are keying on them in softer runs. Hoppers and ants are also producing solid eats tight to the banks. A small dropper below a Chubby has been the most reliable setup day in and day out.
Streamer fishing has been slower, but if you commit to covering water in the shade, you’ll still move a few bigger trout.
Guide Flies of Choice
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Chubby Chernobyls (tan, royal, purple, #12–14)
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Parachute PMDs & Tricos (#16–20)
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Ants & Beetles (#12–16)
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Tunghead Pheasant Tails / Jig PTs (as droppers)
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Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16, tan/olive)
Pro Tips
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Get on the water early — the first 4–5 hours of daylight are your best shot.
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Target shaded banks and deeper runs once the sun is overhead.
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Fish lighter tippet (5X) on technical dry flies, but don’t be afraid to fish 3X with hoppers.
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Stay respectful of temps — land fish quickly and keep them wet.
Bottom Line: Late-summer fishing on the Bitterroot means smaller flies, stealthy presentations, and early mornings. The river is clear, trout are looking up, and if you match the hatch (or ride the hopper train), you’ll find plenty of willing fish before lunch.
