The Bitterroot is fishing well and continuing to move into better shape as flows drop throughout the valley. The upper river is especially manageable right now, while the lower river is still carrying more volume but is also improving. Clarity has been good, water temperatures are warming into a productive range, and fish are beginning to spread into more typical summer holding water.

Stoneflies are still a major part of the program. Salmonflies are hanging on in sections of the upper river, but the main focus is shifting toward Golden Stones. PMDs, Green Drakes, Yellow Sallies, and caddis are also active, giving anglers a solid mix of dry-fly opportunities through the day. Cloud cover or softer light should help bring more fish to the surface, while bright sun may push the better dry-fly windows toward morning and evening.

The best water has been along grassy banks, inside bends, soft seams, side channels, and slower shelves next to heavier current. Dry-dropper rigs are a great way to cover water, especially with a Golden Stone, Chubby, or Water Walker on top and a smaller nymph underneath. Nymphing will stay consistent when fish are not fully committing to dries.

The weather looks mostly favorable, with warm, sunny conditions over the next couple of days and only a spotty thunderstorm chance heading into Friday. If flows keep trending down and clarity holds, the Bitterroot should continue to fish well. Focus on stoneflies first, but be ready for PMDs, caddis, Yellow Sallies, and Green Drakes to create steady dry-fly chances as summer conditions settle in.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• Salmonflies #4-6
• Golden Stones #6-10
• Water Walkers #6-10
• Chubby Chernobyls #6-12
• PMDs #14-18
• Green Drakes #10-12
• Yellow Sallies #14-16
• 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
• Psycho May #14-18
• Split Case PMDs #14-18
• Green Drake Nymphs #10-12
• Caddis Pupa #12-16
• Perdigons #14-18
• Pheasant Tails #14-18
• Prince Nymphs #12-16

Streamers

• Sparkle Minnow
• Swim Coach
• Mini Dungeons
• Peanut Env
• Sculpzilla
• Thin Mint
• Woolly Buggers
• JJ Special
• 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.