The Bitterroot is in solid summer shape, with flows continuing to settle and the river fishing well throughout much of the valley. The lower river is still carrying enough water to keep fish comfortable, while the upper and middle river are becoming more manageable for both wade anglers and float anglers. Clarity has been good overall, but the cooler, wetter weather moving through this weekend could bump flows slightly or add some color in places.

Current conditions are very fishable. Trout are spreading into classic summer holding water, including grassy banks, inside bends, riffle edges, tailouts, foam lines, and soft seams near heavier current. Dry-dropper fishing is one of the best ways to cover water right now, especially with a larger Golden Stone or attractor dry on top and a smaller mayfly or caddis nymph underneath.

Golden Stones and PMDs are the main focus, with Yellow Sallies, caddis, Green Drakes, and a few lingering Salmonflies still possible higher in the system. PMDs should be strongest during the morning and early afternoon, while caddis can become more important in the evening. Cloud cover and light rain could help the mayfly bite, especially with PMDs and Green Drakes.

Weather will be cooler and wetter through the weekend, with showers and thunderstorms possible Friday and Saturday, followed by a cooler rain chance Sunday and Monday. That may slow the early dry-fly bite, but it should also keep water temperatures in a good range and extend feeding windows during cloudy periods. If clarity holds, the Bitterroot should remain one of the better local options.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• Golden Stones #6-10
• Chubby Chernobyls #6-12
• Water Walkers #6-10
• PMDs #14-18
• Yellow Sallies #14-16
• Green Drakes #10-12
• Elk Hair Caddis #14-16
• X-Caddis #14-16
• Purple Haze #14-18
• Parachute Adams #14-18

Nymphs

• Pat's Rubber Legs #6-8
• TJ Hooker #6-8
• Zirdles #6-10
• Frenchies #14-16
• Split Case PMDs #14-18
• Psycho May #14-18
• Caddis Pupa #12-16
• Perdigons #14-18
• Pheasant Tails #14-18
• Prince Nymphs #12-16

Streamers

• Sparkle Minnows
• Mini Dungeons
• Peanut Envy
• Sculpzilla
• Thin Mint
• Woolly Buggers
• Olive and black articulated streamers
• Small sculpin patterns

Fishing should continue to improve over the coming weeks as runoff fades and insect activity increases throughout the valley. Stoneflies will remain the primary focus, but PMDs, caddis, and Yellow Sallies should provide steady dry fly opportunities as summer conditions take hold. Anglers willing to cover water and fish a combination of dries and droppers can expect some of the most consistent action of the season.