The Bitterroot is settling back down after the recent rain bump and is now around 1,020 cfs near Missoula. That is down from the last report, but still a healthier level than the lowest late-summer flows we saw in August. The weekend’s cooler, wetter weather helped the river by improving water temperatures and giving fish a little more comfort. The river is still clear enough that presentation matters, but it should feel more forgiving than it did during the hot, skinny stretch of late summer.

Focus on riffle edges, inside seams, tailouts, foam lines, shaded banks, undercut edges, soft buckets, and deeper green lanes. Dry-dropper rigs are still useful along banks and broken water, especially with a terrestrial on top and a small mayfly, caddis, or jig nymph underneath. In slicks and tailouts, slow down and watch before casting. If fish are rising, a single dry with a clean drift is usually the better choice.

The Bitterroot is shifting from late summer into fall. There is still a good chance to find fish on terrestrials, especially beetles, ants, and hoppers along grassy banks, brushy structure, and cutbanks. That said, anglers should start watching closely for BWOs on cooler, cloudier days. October Caddis are already showing, and Mahogany Duns and Hecubas should become more important in the weeks ahead.

The cooler weather that came through over the weekend should help keep trout more comfortable and may extend the bite past the earliest part of the morning. The forecast around Hamilton stays pleasant, with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s, a heavy thunderstorm chance Thursday, and showers possible Saturday.

Streamer fishing is becoming more worthwhile as we transition into fall. Cloud cover, wind chop, or a touch of color can make fish more willing to chase. Small sculpins, Thin Mints, Woolly Buggers, and modest articulated patterns are good choices along banks, shelves, and deeper seams.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• Hoppers #8-12
• Ants #12-18
• Beetles #12-16
• Chubby Chernobyls #8-14
• Water Walkers #8-12
• BWO Dries #18-22
• Elk Hair Caddis #14-18
• X-Caddis #14-18
• October Caddis Adults #8-12
• Mahogany Duns #14-16
• Hecubas #10-12
• Purple Haze #14-20
• Parachute Adams #14-20

Nymphs

• Frenchies #14-18
• Pheasant Tails #14-20
• Perdigons #14-20
• BWO Nymphs #18-22
• Caddis Pupa #12-18
• October Caddis Pupa #8-12
• Jigged Hare’s Ears #14-18
• Prince Nymphs #12-16
• Small jig nymphs #16-20

Streamers

• Sparkle Minnows
• Mini Dungeons
• Sculpzilla
• Thin Mint
• Woolly Buggers
• Small sculpin patterns
• Olive streamers
• Black streamers