Fishing Outlook & Conditions
Water Temp:
52
Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week
The Bitterroot is running fast & high! When flows rise, fish often move out of their usual zones and into softer, slower-moving water where they can conserve energy. Focus your efforts on prime holding water and make multiple clean, drag-free drifts to maximize your chances. *See our 7 Day Outlook for updates on blockages jamming up the Bitterroot.
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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 5/23/25
The next week in the Bitterroot Valley will bring sunny and warm days with frequent chances for showers. Fishing is still possible but challenging so focus on slow water along the banks, seams, and back eddies. Nymph rigs with Pat's Rubber Legs and San Juan Worms are producing, and dark streamers can be effective on cloudy days. Watch for evening hatches with BWO's & Gray Drakes if the water clears enough for dry fly action. Use caution wading, as flows are elevated and debris may be present. If you are floating please use extreme caution. This river changes rapidly and is known for producing fatal log jams. Give us a call for an updated obstruction report. If you see any issues be sure to call us or send pics so we can share the same.
Techniques & Tips as of 5/23/25
Time to bobber up again. With high dirty water double your chances of finding fish with a double nymph rig. Go BIG on your flies until clarity is greater than 2 feet of visibility. As clarity improves we may have the opportunity for good dry fly fishing on Caddis and Drakes. If you’re fishing a dry dropper try running a foam salmonfly pattern or a chubby. 1) the fish might see the dry and move for a big meal, and 2) it’ll hold up a big dropper. This is 6wt season! Streamers: Dungeon, Envy, Lil Kim, Sparkle Minnow, Kreelex Nymphs: Worms, Hot Bead Stone, TJ Hooker, Girdle Bugs, Jig Caddis Pupa, Duracell, Blowtorch, Jig Mini Bugger Dries: Chubby, Plan B, #6-10 BWOs: On Point BWO, Purple Haze, BWO Cripple #18-20 March Browns: Parachute PT, Brindlechute, March Brown Cripple #12-14 Grey Drake: Film Critic, Flash Cripple, Carnage Drake Mothers Day Caddis: Elk Hair Caddis, Corn Fed Caddis, X-Caddis #12-14
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): |
---|---|---|
Vernille San Juan Worm | N/A | #6-10 |
Bead Head Prince | N/A | #8-10 |
Tunghead Stonefly | N/A | #6-10 |
CDC Mayfly Emerger | March Brown | #12-14 |
TJ Hooker | N/A | #08-12 |
Sparkle Minnow | N/A | #04-08 |
TH 20 Incher | N/A | #8-12 |
Tunghead Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail | N/A | #12-18 |
Plan B | N/A | #10-14 |
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