West Fork of the Bitterroot Fishing Report
The West Fork is offering some great fall fishing opportunities. With cooler flows and crystal-clear water, trout are holding in a mix of pocket water and deeper pools. This section has been fishing particularly well in the afternoons.
Dry Fly Action
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Hoppers are still bringing fish up, especially around grassy edges and mid-river rocks.
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Mahoganies are consistent and will only get better in the coming weeks.
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Parachute adams and small BWOs are dependable on cloudy afternoons.
Nymphing & Streamers
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Perdigons, copper johns, and small prince nymphs are working well when fish aren’t looking up.
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Streamer fishing has picked up—try olive or black sculpins fished through logjams or undercut banks.
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A hopper-dropper setup with a size 14 mayfly nymph underneath is producing steady action.
Fishing Strategy
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Focus on shaded banks in the afternoon when fish slide into softer water.
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Early mornings can be slow, but by mid-day the action picks up and carries through evening.
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Cover pocket water thoroughly—fish are holding tight to structure.
Guide’s Note: The West Fork is fishing better each day as we move deeper into September. It’s a great choice for anglers looking for solitude, technical dry fly eats, and some streamer opportunities.
