Runoff season is here, and the Bitterroot is feeling it! Despite the runoff, the river remains in great shape for fishing. Water clarity is slightly stained but still better than the Clark Fork through town.

Dry fly fishing has been okay in the evenings. Gray drakes, BWOs, Mother’s Day caddis, and fluttering stones, have all been productive when the dry fly eaters are looking up.

Nymphing remains a go-to approach, especially during high water when clarity can fluctuate quickly.  When dries aren’t getting it done, a double nymph rig with a pats and a worm continues to put fish in the net.

Streamer fishing on the cloudy days has been decent. Opt for large, dark patterns that offer strong contrast in low visibility. If you're chasing big browns, focus on slow pockets along undercut banks.

The pike are in full spawn mode now. Look for them stacked in sloughs on warm days or holding in slack water at slough mouths. Many of the Bitterroot’s sloughs are spring-fed and remain crystal clear even when the main river is blown out, making them ideal for exciting sight-fishing opportunities.