The Bitterroot is making the turn into fall fishing, and conditions are shaping up nicely after the recent shot of cooler weather and rain. Flows jumped considerably with last week's weather, but the river is now dropping and clearing. The extra water combined with cooler nights has given the river a much-needed refresh.
This is one of our favorite transitions of the year. Summer terrestrials are still in play, but we're starting to see the first signs of the fall mayfly and caddis fishing that can make September on the Bitterroot so good.
CURRENT CONDITIONS
The river is carrying more water than it was during the late-August lows. At Bell Crossing, the Bitterroot was running 622 CFS, September 10, compared with a historical median of 342 CFS for that date.
Expect relatively clear water but be prepared for fish to move around as flows continue to settle. Riffles, inside seams, foam lines, tailouts and softer edges adjacent to faster water are all worth your attention.
The cooler weather has also improved the fishing window. You don't have to be quite as focused on the crack-of-dawn program that defined much of August.
DRY FLY FISHING
Tricos are still important during the morning, especially on calmer days. Look for pods of rising fish in slower slicks, tailouts and along foam lines. These fish can be technical, so longer leaders, lighter tippet and an accurate first presentation will make a big difference.
As the morning progresses, don't put the terrestrials away yet. Hoppers, ants and beetles continue to produce along grassy banks, undercut edges and overhanging vegetation.
We're also transitioning into our fall bugs. Keep an eye out for Hecubas, Mahogany Duns, BWOs and October Caddis. Cooler, cloudy weather should increasingly favor these hatches as September progresses.
WHAT WE'RE FISHING
Dry Flies
- Trico Spinners #18–22
- Purple Haze #16–20
- Parachute Adams #16–20
- Hoppers #8–12
- Chubby Chernobyls #8–12
- Ants #14–18
- Beetles #12–16
- Hecubas #10–12
- Mahogany Duns #14–16
- BWOs #18–22
- October Caddis #8–12
Nymphs
- Pheasant Tails #14–18
- Perdigons #14–18
- Frenchies #14–18
- Jigged Hare's Ears #14–18
- BWO Nymphs #18–20
- October Caddis Pupa #8–12
Streamers
- Sparkle Minnows
- Sculpzillas
- Mini Dungeons
- Thin Mints
- Small olive and black sculpin patterns
FISHING TACTICS
Start the morning looking for Trico activity and rising fish before immediately going to a hopper-dropper. When fish are rising, slow down and work them with a single dry.
Later in the day, terrestrials remain a good searching option. Work hoppers and beetles tight to structure, grassy banks and shaded edges.
Cloudy weather is a different game. Watch closely for fall mayflies and don't overlook the streamer rod. The increased flows have created some good streamer water, particularly along deeper banks, shelves and soft seams.
OUR TAKE
The Bitterroot is moving into one of the best stretches of the fall season. The recent rain gave us more water, cooler nights are helping conditions, and the river is transitioning away from the strictly summer program.
For dry-fly anglers, the next few weeks are worth watching closely. Tricos are still giving us technical morning fishing, terrestrials haven't disappeared, and Hecubas, Mahoganies, BWOs and October Caddis are beginning to enter the picture.
September is a great time to fish the Bitterroot — fewer summer crowds, cooler weather and increasingly diverse dry-fly opportunities.
Stop by Freestone Fly Shop for the latest river conditions, flies and local information before heading out.
River conditions can change quickly. Check current USGS flows or call the shop before heading out.
