It's runnoff on the Bitterroot! Again! That means the dry fly bite is going to be a bit slow and the technique is going to revert back to nymphing a big stonefly and a worm. Or, swigning a big dark streamer through obvious pocket and holding water. For Stonefly's, check out a T.J. Hooker, Pats rubber legs, D-Rib Stone, or a Double Bead Hare's Ear. For a worm, the squirmy or classic San Juan will do the trick. For Streamers, Black and purple Dungeon, Black Double Gonga, Yellow Two Tone Dungeon, or any style you prefer in a dark color cheme, preferbly with an articulation.

If there is a hatch, there are PMD's, BWO's, and caddis coming off in good numbers when the wind and cloud cover cooperates. I would say if you see a rising fish, it is worth anchoring up and tagetting because chances are it is a quality contender for a grip and grin.  The temperature sensor remains broken on the Bitteroot but keep an eye out for salmon flies in the upcoming days and weeks...

Subsurface, nymphing continues to produce solid numbers. Focus on deeper runs, seams, and transition water where fish are still holding and feeding. As water temps climb, activity below the surface is picking up—stonefly nymphs, Pat’s Rubber Legs, TJ Hookers, and smaller mayfly patterns like Perdigons, Pheasant Tails, Frenchies, Blowtorches, and Duracells are all getting it done. Focus of soft water pockets on the bank, get your bugs down quick... yadda yadda yadda. After the rain I bet fish will be looking for... you guessed it.. Turds and Womrs!

We're getting really close to some awesome dry fly fishing. The bug cocktail that comes offthis time of year will soon return and ignite fishnig for the rest of spring. On the menu are BWO's, caddis for sure. Fish these with a Corn Fed, PMX, or elk hair. Try dropping a last chance cripple, smaller Parahute adams, or a BWO emerger at rishing fish. Make sure to keep an eye out for Drakes, Salmon bugs, and Golden Stones. 

Streamers are still very much in play as well. Fishing larger, darker, high-contrast patterns slowly through structure and deeper buckets has been effective for moving fish. Sparkle minnow, goldie, kreelex, mini dungeons, masked avengers, two tones... Anything that is small-medium, flashy and can get down quick.

As always this time of year, conditions can change quickly. Keep an eye on flows, watch for debris, and be cautious wading—especially around known hazards like the obstruction near Poker Joe.