The Bitterroot River is now under Hoot Owl restrictions from the confluence of the East and West Fork to its confluence with the Clark Fork River. The river is closed from 2 P.M. to midnight. As always, please keep all caught fish wet and make all atempts to release as quickly as possible. 

PMDs are popping river-wide, with caddis making appearances mid-morning and again in the late afternoon. A well-placed Parachute PMD or Elk Hair Caddis are drawing confident eats. Fish have been rising in a variety of water types—from quick riffles to the slow edges undercut by the bank—so don’t be afraid to mix things up. 

Nymphing can be effective but the subsurface fish are down there resting so we recommend to push the dry.

The streamer fishing has been okay. Focus on undercut banks, log jams, and bouldery structure. Copper Kreelex streamers and olive or black sculpin patterns are great choices to trigger those explosive takes.

The Bitterroot has been extreamly warm this summer maxing out at 77 early this week. We would recommend picking a different river or getting out as early as possible to limit the pressure on the fish and give them a rest.