Our Report

BRO’s Tips of the Week:

A frigid week is ahead on the Bitterroot. Nymphing will be the most effective tool until this cold snap ends, so think TJ Hookers, Rubber Legs, Jig PTs, Zirdles, San Juans, Zebra Midges, or your favorite streamer pattern fished by itself or under a bubble.

*See our 7 Day Outlook for updates on blockages jamming up the Bitterroot.

7 Day Outlook:

Single digit winter is here! Highs in the 20s this week and lows of almost 0 degrees will make the fishing tough. Think about tying some flies this week until days warm into the 40s around Thanksgiving. 

If you are floating please use extreme caution. This river changes rapidly and is known for producing fatal log jams. Give us a call for an updated obstruction report.

*There are currently several obstructions on the Bitterroot. 

On the West Fork, take the left channel near High Bank – even though flows on the left are low, the right channel is impassible. 

Darby-Wally: one big sweeper down just below Lone Pine requires a drag to the right on the Darby-Wally float. 

Wally-Anglers: flows over Sleeping Child dam are extremely low, producing dangerous conditions and a high chance of getting stuck. 

More wood down around the Blodgett Park area will also require careful scouting and some possible dragging. 

Veterans Bridge-Woodside: take the left channel below the bridge, as the right channel is blocked and requires a portage. 

Bell-Stevi: One new tree is down half a mile below Bell. Another tree about one mile downstream of Bell Crossing has already sunk one drift boat and will require staying far river left and doing a long drag. Lastly, one new tree is down as  ¾ through the Stevi-Florence float. It is across the river and will require a drag to get around.

Our Recommendations for the Best Techniques and Patterns:

Nymphing will be the best tactic for finding fish sulking at the bottom of runs when it’s this cold outside. Running two nymphs together is a good way to get down deep, and add some split shot if you’re dropping the rig off a shelf. Try a TJ Hooker, Hot Bead San Juan, Rubber Legs, or Wooly Bugger with a smaller option like a Jig PT or Zebra Midge to increase your odds. Spanish Bullets, Frenchies, Prince Nymphs, Duracells, Two-Bit Hookers, Dunnigan’s Panty Dropper, Fire Starters, and Perdigons will also hunt. 

Streamer fishing has been okay. Try darker patterns like Peanut Envies, Dungeons, and Buggers during this cold snap. 

See our staff pick fly selection here! 

Goings on at World Headquarters in Missoula:

The new Online Store is live!  Check it out!

Call us for up to the minute updates at 406.542.7411 or if you are in the area stop in for all your Orvis gear and the right bugs.  WE HAVE MOVED TO OUR BRAND NEW LOCATION AT 275 N. RUSSELL STREET IN MISSOULA.