Things have been hot on the Bitterroot River for the past two weeks, but some snow and cool weather have slowed things down a bit. The outside air temperature will be from 55 to 18 degrees this week. Some rain in the forecast, but the trout like this weather in the spring. They are used to the river being covered with ice, but now it is covered with the skwala stone fly. . Your fly choice is huge when it comes to the Bitterroot River, because everyone is throwing flies at the fish. You should use something that not everyone else is using. I tie my own skwala (pictured above). It seems to be a good fit with the Bitterroot River.
The river is under control as far as flows is concerned (225 to 375 cfs @ Darby), but watch out for other boats on the water. If you decide to go fly fishing you will see herds of anglers. Remember to yield to others and share the water. Try not to stay in one spot and beat the fish up too bad. Below is a good example of what not to do. Fishing in Montana should be a great experience, not the other way around. Three boats in one section of water is a bit much.
Most of the rivers in Montana are fishing now. The Bozeman area has a bit of wind, but you can still fish the Yellowstone and the Madison. Try stone fly patterns, the dirt snake (San Juan worm), and streamers with a slow retrieve. The Blackfoot, and the Clark Fork Rivers are doing well also, but no one is fishing them. The Thompson is doing well with large fish moving up from the Clark Fork to feed and spawn.
If you are looking for what the trout are feeding on just flip over a few rocks in the river and see what is moving around. Lots of Skwalas, Golden stone flies, and May flies are moving up to the shore awaiting there opportunity to hatch! You could see something like this little dude in the photo below!
If you are interested in a guided fly fishing trip with Montana Fishing Company please vist our website www.montanafishingcompany.com or give us a call406-210-0971. We are offering a spring special for the Bitterroot River for $325.00 per day (2 anglers). Offer valid from now until 4/20/13.
