Bitterroot
The Root has bumped up in flows over the last week and the temps are still pretty cold. The flows look like they are starting to level and as long as we don’t see to much rain, then it should offer fishable conditions. We have been seeing Skwalas here and there and lots of Capnias and Neumoras. There has ben a few fish coming up to eat the dry but the nymph game is still your best strategy until things warm up a bit. Focus on inside seams with walking speed water. Deep nymph rigs are the way to go typically led by a Stonefly nymph and dropping a smaller nymph such as Purple Prince, Hare’s Ear, Pheasant Tail or one of our many varieties of jig nymphs. If you love streamer fishing then this is also a great time for streamers. Fish them slow and low.
Blackfoot
Not the best option until things warm up but if you like solitary and are ok with working each run hard then this might just be a fit for you. Inside seems with deep nymph rigs and dead drifting streamers is the way to go. The fish are there and willing to eat but they wont move far so spend lots of time on each run and cover every inch.
Clark Fork
The Clark has bumped up in flows and with current conditions this may not be the best option but is still fishable. We use the same tactics on this river early spring as we do the rest, deep nymph rigs and slow streamers on inside bends and walking speed water. While often looked past this time of year, it can produce just as good as any other fishery in the area. We will keep you posted on Skwalas and clarity. With a little help from the weather the Clark should improve in the coming weeks.
Rock Creek
Still waiting to warm up and stablize to get the spring dry fly action popping. Rock Creek is still a great option this time of year and can produce good fishing regardless of the fluctuating flows. We will keep you posted on the Skwala status but for now focus on nymphing slow inside seams and walking speed water.
We have added hundreds of new patterns to our fly selection this year.
Stop in and check em out!