Fishing Outlook & Conditions
Water Temp:
74
Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week
Hoot owl restrictions (fishing prohibited 2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the upper Bitterroot River - from the confluence of the East and West Forks to Veterans Bridge at Hamilton starting July 11. Hoot owl restrictions (fishing prohibited 2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the lower Bitterroot River - from Veterans Bridge at Hamilton to the confluence with the Clark Fork River starting July 15.
Directions open in app
Water Flow Data
Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby
Blackfoot River OutfittersBlue Damsel Lodge
Montana Hunting and Fishing Adventures
Triple Creek Ranch
5-Day Outlook as of 8/22/25
Highs in the upper 80s to low 90s will continue through the week, with overnight lows in the upper 40s to low 50s helping to briefly cool water temps. Expect clear skies early in the week, with increasing cloud cover and the potential for a thunderstorm or two by midweek. *There are currently MANY obstructions on the Bitterroot. When In Doubt, Eddy Out! As always, we want anglers to know that they are responsible for their own wellbeing when they are on the water. As an outfitter, we will try our best to bring known dangers to light, but conditions and obstructions are always changing and we can't possibly keep up with every danger that may present itself. When in doubt, eddy out and walk downstream to get a good look at what you're dealing with!
Techniques & Tips as of 8/22/25
The Bitterroot is especially low and warm for this time of year. Focus your dry fly fishing on the riffles and dry dropper fishing in the deeper runs. Avoid slow, deep water. Hoppers are active, and the hopper bite should improve in the coming weeks. Trico fishing has been good just before noon. Fish the coldest hours of the day- on early, and off early.
Local Species Available Year round; some tributaries closed December 1-third week of May. Check regulations before fishing.
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Trout - rainbows
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browns and cutties - whitefish
Blackfoot River Outfitters's Recommended Fly Patterns
"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:
Name: | Colors: | Size(s): |
---|---|---|
Stimulator | N/A | #10-12 |
Indicator Spinner - Trico | N/A | #18-20 |
Sparkle Dun | N/A | #16-18 |
Parachute Pheasant Tail | N/A | #14-18 |
TJ Hooker | N/A | #08-12 |
Sparkle Minnow | N/A | #04-08 |
Bead Head Hare's Ear Nymph | N/A | #12-16 |
Tunghead Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail | N/A | #14-18 |
Plan B | N/A | #8-10 |
Kreelex | N/A | #6 |
Blackfoot River Outfitters's Recommended Gear
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Best Leader:
Super Strong Plus Leaders
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Best Tippet:
SuperStrong Plus Tippet in 30- and 100-meter spools
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Best Fly Fishing Rod:
5-Weight 9' Fly Rod
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Best Floating Fly Line:
WF Trout Fly Line
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Best Sinking Fly Line:
Bank Shot Sink Tip Fly Line