Bitterroot River Fishing Report
The Bitterroot mainstem is in great shape right now. Flows have leveled out, clarity is excellent, and the fish are settling into classic late-season lies. Cool mornings keep things quiet early, but by mid-morning, the bite turns on.
Hatches & Dry Fly Fishing
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Mahogany duns are starting to pop mid-morning and continuing into the afternoon. These bugs bring up pods of fish in softer seams and tailouts.
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Blue-winged olives (BWOs) are hatching on cloudy afternoons, producing steady surface action.
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Hopper fishing is still solid mid-day, especially along grassy banks. Ants and beetles are also reliable.
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October caddis are starting to show. A size 10–12 orange stimulator will get attention in the evenings.
Nymphing & Subsurface
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Smaller mayfly patterns like pheasant tails, hare’s ears, and olive perdigons are steady producers.
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In faster runs, try a two-fly nymph rig with a tungsten point fly to get down quickly.
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Midges are active early and late—zebra midges on light tippet will fool selective trout.
Fishing Strategy
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Start with a dry-dropper rig in the late morning, switching to smaller mayflies as risers appear.
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Cover water—fish are spread out in riffles, seams, and undercut banks.
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Expect the best fishing window from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when water temps are ideal.
Guide’s Note: This is one of the best stretches of the season for consistent dry fly fishing. Mahoganies will only get stronger through the month, and the October caddis bite is just around the corner.
