Fishing Outlook & Conditions
Water Temp:
73
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 7/25/25
We’re looking at a warm, mostly sunny week with highs starting around 90°F Friday and cooling into the upper 80s through midweek. Evenings and overnights will dip into the low‑to‑mid‑50s, which helps cool river temps and makes early mornings ideal for fishing. A couple of afternoon thunderstorms are possible late week, but flows should stay steady and visibility high. Remember to make the most of the first 3‑4 hours of daylight—that’s when the water’s coolest and the trout are most active. *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 7/25/25
The river 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. Some spruce moths up top. Hoppers are active, and the hopper bite should improve in the coming weeks. Tricos are starting. 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