The Bitterroot is still in a low, technical late-summer pattern. The lower river near Missoula is around 705 cfs, down slightly from the last report’s 728 cfs reading, and the water is clear, skinny, and presentation-sensitive. No stretches of this river are under hoot owl restrictions, but warm afternoons still deserve caution. The best fishing will be early in the morning, especially around riffle edges, deeper green seams, tailouts, foam lines, shaded banks, side channels, and any cold-water influence.

Lower flows are making trout easier to locate but much easier to spook. Longer leaders, lighter tippet, careful wading, and accurate first casts are important. Dry-dropper rigs can still be productive, especially along banks and riffle edges, but the better dry-fly fishing will come when fish are visibly up and feeding. If the sun gets high and the dry-fly bite slows, small nymphs through riffle drops and deeper seams will be more consistent.

The prolific late spring and early summer hatches have ended, and the Bitterroot is fully in a mid-to-late summer hatch cycle. Terrestrials are a major part of the program now, especially hoppers, ants, and beetles along grassy banks, cutbanks, shaded structure, and brushy edges. Late-stage PMD spinners, Tricos, and caddis are the most important aquatic bugs. PMD spinner and Trico action can be good in the morning on softer seams, slicks, flats, and tailouts. Look for subtle rises before walking through shallow edge water.

Caddis fishing can still be good when the sun starts to set, especially along riffle edges, foam lines, and softer banks. The next couple of days will stay warm, with Hamilton near 90 today and the upper 80s Thursday. Cooler weather arrives Friday through Sunday, with highs dropping into the 70s and cooler nights, which should help morning water temperatures and extend the better fishing window.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• Hoppers #8-12
• Ants #12-18
• Beetles #12-16
• Chubby Chernobyls #8-14
• Water Walkers #8-12
• PMD Spinners #14-18
• Tricos #18-22
• Elk Hair Caddis #14-18
• X-Caddis #14-18
• Corn Fed Caddis #12-18
• Purple Haze #14-20
• Parachute Adams #14-20

Nymphs

• Frenchies #14-18
• Split Case PMDs #14-18
• Psycho May #14-18
• Perdigons #14-20
• Pheasant Tails #14-20
• Caddis Pupa #12-18
• Jigged Hare’s Ears #14-18
• Small jig nymphs #16-20
• Prince Nymphs #12-16

Streamers

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