West Fork Bitterroot River Fishing Report
The West Fork is fishing well and holding its own through the heat of summer. Flows are stable, clarity is excellent, and this stretch continues to offer cooler water and a strong morning dry fly bite. With goldenstones still popping and good mayfly activity in the riffles, this is one of the best places to be right now—especially for anglers looking to fish dry flies in pocket water and fast runs.
River Conditions
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Current Flow (near Painted Rocks): ~128 CFS
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Water Clarity: Very good
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Water Temps: Starting in the upper 50s, creeping into the mid-60s by mid-day
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Access: Wading and floating are both productive—raft recommended for covering water
Hatches & Fly Patterns
🪰 What’s Hatching
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Goldenstones (main event)
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PMDs
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Yellow Sallies
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A few green drakes still kicking around
🧷 Go-To Flies
Dry Flies:
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Chubby Chernobyl (Tan, Gold, Purple #10–12)
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Plan B and Water Walker Golden #12
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Purple Haze and Brindlechute PMD #16–18
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Parachute Yellow Sally #16
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Green Drake Parachute #12 (sporadic but worth having)
Nymphs:
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TJ Hooker or Rubberlegs #8–10
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Frenchie or Pheasant Tail Jig #16
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Split Case PMD or Yellow Spot Jig #16–18
Streamer Bite:
Not red hot but worth a shot early or under cloud cover. Smaller buggers and Kreelex in gold or olive are productive.
Jeff’s Guide Tips for the West Fork
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Target riffle corners and pocket water: Fish are holding tight to oxygen-rich seams and tailouts.
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Early floats win the day: The bite starts right at sun-up. Focus on goldenstone dries before the sun hits the water.
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Keep it moving: This is quick water—dries need a clean drift, and dropper nymphs should tick just above the bottom.
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Wade anglers: There are several productive roadside pull-offs above and below the campground—don’t overlook these little runs.
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Streamer windows: Early morning or post-thunderstorm can turn on the bite for a short window.
Notes from the River
Expect some company—it’s no secret the West Fork is fishing well—but there’s plenty of water to spread out. Flows are ideal for rafting, and the structure makes for fun, technical dry fly fishing. Watch for debris and sweepers below deeper bends, and always scout low-clearance zones before committing to a float.
Book Your West Fork Trip
If you’re looking for cooler water, a strong dry fly game, and classic Montana canyon scenery, the West Fork is your spot. We’ve got guides on it daily and a few prime mornings still available this week.
📞 Call the shop at (406) 363-9099
💻 Book online: freestoneflyshop.com
See you on the water,
Jeff Gray
Freestone Fly Shop – Outfitter/Owner
