The Bitterroot is continuing to drop and settle into a more technical summer rhythm. The lower river near Missoula is around 1,800 cfs, down again from the last report, and water temperatures are warming into the low 60s. Clarity should be good where afternoon storms do not add color, but the heat means the best fishing will be early in the day and again near sunset. As flows drop, trout are becoming more selective, so clean drifts and lighter presentations are becoming more important.

Fish are moving into classic summer holding water. Focus on grassy banks, inside bends, riffle edges, tailouts, foam lines, side channels, and softer seams next to heavier current. Dry-dropper rigs remain one of the best ways to cover water, especially with a Golden Stone, Chubby, or Water Walker on top and a smaller PMD, caddis, or jig nymph underneath. Nymphing will stay productive during the brighter parts of the day, especially in riffle drops, buckets, and deeper green lanes.

Golden Stones are still worth fishing, but the smaller summer hatches are becoming more important. PMDs, Green Drakes, Yellow Sallies, caddis, nocturnal stones, and early terrestrials are all in play. PMD spinner dry-fly action can be very good in the morning when fish are feeding in soft seams, slicks, flats, and tailouts. Look for subtle rise forms before stepping into shallow edge water.

Evening caddis fishing should be one of the best dry-fly windows right now. As the sun starts to set, fish should move toward banks, riffle edges, and foam lines to feed. A smaller Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis, Corn Fed Caddis, or low-riding caddis pattern can be a great choice when the light softens.

Weather around Hamilton is hot, with highs near 90 and afternoon thunderstorm chances through the weekend. Fish early, watch water temps, and be ready for better dry-fly fishing during cloudy or low-light windows.

What's Working

Dry Flies

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

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