Fall has come to the bitterroot valley, and the frost on the ground and snow on the peaks means winter is just around the corner. The river is still very low for fall, but seasonal rainfall and falling temperatures getting in the low fifties down to the low forties at night have helped the fish recover from the worst of this summer quite well.

Blue-winged olives are hatching consistently, Brooks Sprout BWO has been one of our go-to patterns in recent weeks. Usually about 2-4 in the afternoon is when the hatch gets going as the rising sun warms the shallow water. They can make for some spectacular days of dry fly fishing before the snow is on the ground. Late fall and winter is mostly a midge fishing game, and the midges will be hatching right now as well, in the warmer mornings and afternoons as well. Some of the trico patterns fished earlier in summer will fish well on that bite.

Nymphing always produces, with TJ Hookers and jigged Pheasant Tails performing exceptionally well. Black and tan Pat’s Rubber Legs are also steady producers, whether fished as droppers, under an indicator, or tightlined near the bottom. As temperatures continue to fall, keep in mind that trout will key in on very small nymphs, and chironomids.

The streamer bite is very good in fall. Though the brown trout are either done spawning and returning to the main river, or are wrapping up the last of the spawn. Assume any fish up a tributary or in a side channel to be spawning. ESPECIALLY if they’re laying on a bare patch of gravel guarding their eggs. The main river will fish well, and there are plenty of giant fish to be caught. On bright, bluebird days, try small, flashy patterns like the Kreelex, Skiddish Smolt, or Goldie—think sparse profiles in gold or white. Fish them fast along undercut and overhanging banks where big trout hold in the shadows and ambush passing prey. On darker, rainy days, switch to larger, darker streamers worked slowly and tight to structure. With low light, fish closer to cover and give them more time to commit.