Warmer weather has been lingering in the Bitterroot Valley, and with the spawn now wrapped up, the river is settling into a more predictable late-season pattern. Flows remain low for this time of year, but the combination of mild days and cooler nights has been enough to keep trout active and feeding steadily. Water temperatures have stabilized, and fish are spreading back into the main river after the stresses of summer and spawning, making for more consistent action throughout the day.

Dry-fly opportunities aren’t as prolific as earlier in the fall, though the odd BWO or midge window can still pop up during warm afternoons. Blue-winged olives continue to show, but not with the same intensity as peak fall, and surface eats have become more selective. Midges are becoming increasingly important, especially on calmer, warmer mornings and afternoons. Still, most of the productivity has shifted subsurface—any brief hatch may offer a chance for dries, but nymphing or swinging small streamers is generally the best way to stay tight to fish right now.

Nymphing remains the most reliable approach day in and day out. Patterns like TJ Hookers, jigged Pheasant Tails, and Pat’s Rubber Legs in tan or black continue to produce whether fished tightline-style or under an indicator. As conditions warm and fish finish recovering from the spawn, they’ve been more willing to move for small mayfly nymphs and chironomids. With lower flows and clearer water, downsizing and fishing a clean, simple presentation can make a big difference.

Streamer fishing is picking up quickly with the warmer trend and post-spawn trout settling back into feeding mode. Browns returning to the main river are eager to regain weight, and the bite has been strong. As always, avoid fish in side channels or tributaries—assume any fish holding shallow over gravel is guarding redds. In the main river, bright, sunny days favor small, flashy patterns like the Kreelex, Goldie, or Skiddish Smolt fished fast along shaded banks and structure. On cloudy, low-light days, larger and darker patterns worked slowly near deep cover tend to draw the bigger grabs. Fish are hungry, aggressive, and willing to chase if you give them the right speed and angle.