Summer dry fly season is rolling strong across the Bitterroot River. Flows are stable, clarity is excellent, and the trout are still looking up—especially early. Goldenstones, PMDs, and yellow sallies are all on the menu, with fairly consistent topwater fishing. If you’re hitting the water, start early and wrap up by noon—the fish (and water temps) will thank you.
Current Conditions
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Mainstem Flow (near Darby): ~400 CFS
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Water Clarity: Clear
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Water Temps: Low 60s in the morning, climbing midday
Hatches & Fly Recommendations
🔥 Active Hatches
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Goldenstones
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Pale Morning Duns (PMDs)
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Yellow Sallies
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Occasional Caddis (evenings)
🪶 Best Flies Right Now
Dry Flies:
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Chubby Chernobyl (Tan, Purple, Royal #10–12)
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Plan B Goldenstone #12
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Purple Haze & Brindlechute PMD #16–18
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Parachute Yellow Sally #16
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Water Walker #10
Nymphs:
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Jig Pheasant Tail #16
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Frenchie Jig #16
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Micro May PMD #18
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Rubberlegs (Brown or Olive #8–10)
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Lightning Bug or Yellow Spot Jig
Streamers:
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Sparkle Minnow (Olive or Sculpin)
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Kreelex Minnow
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Lil' Kim
Pro Tip: Use a dry-dropper setup early, then switch to smaller dry flies mid-morning as the hatch picks up.
Freestone Guide Tips
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Fish Early: We’re launching boats by 7:00 AM and seeing the best action before 11:00 AM.
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Stay High: Cooler temps and better flows up high make for more active fish.
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Target Structure: Look for fish holding along shaded banks, drop-offs, and side channels.
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Streamers Between Hatches: Use small streamers between 10:30–1:00 if the surface action slows.
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Follow the Rules: Be off the water by 2 PM—these fish need a break in the heat.
Float Notes
There are still some log jams and sweepers to watch for—especially in the lower-river sections. Keep your eyes peeled and scout unfamiliar stretches in advance if possible. Flows are ideal for floating, and clarity makes for great sight-fishing in softer seams.
Book Your Guided Trip
Now’s the time if you want to hit that classic Bitterroot dry fly fishing window. We’ve got some openings left this month, and our guides are dialed in on the hatch and ready to get you on fish.
📍 Freestone Fly Shop – Hamilton, MT
📞 Call us at (406) 363-9099
💻 Book Online at freestoneflyshop.com
Tight lines,
Jeff Gray
Outfitter/Owner – Freestone Fly Shop
