Bitterroot River

The Bitterroot has dealt with heavy rain as of late which bumped the flows up. Fishing was a bit slow as the water came up but continued to fish well once flows leveled out. This September should be a great month to fish with cool cloudy weather in the forecast. We have been seeing Hecubas, Mahogany and BWO’s on the cloudy days and fish are taking notice. If you are lucky enough to get out on an overcast day then focus on flies like the Olive Parachute Hare’s Ear, Hecuba Cripple, Brindle Chute, Hi-Vis BWO Spinner, BWO Dun or Mayfly attractor patterns such as Parachute Adams and Purple Haze. Hopper dropper mid day for the sunny days and Trico Spinners.

Blackfoot River

The Blackfoot flows bumped with the recent rain which made the river a bit off color, however the flows have stabilized and should clear up in the coming days. The Blackfoot should continue to fish well after this surge of water. The streamer fishing is starting to pick up, the dry fly fishing has been decent with hoppers and a few October Caddis starting to kick around. For fly patterns try the Morrish Hopper, Plan B, Water Walker and Chubby Chernobyl and your favorite October Caddis Pattern. If you run into a mid day lull then tie on a dropper like G-Kes, Pheasant Tail Hot Spot Jig, P-Tail Flashback Jig, Perds and Jig Hare’s Ear.

Clark Fork River

The Clark Fork like the rest of the rivers in Missoula bumped in flow due to heavy rain which created some murky water. The flows have leveled off and the clarity should improve in the next few days. Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies, PMD’s, Tricos, Hecubas, Mahoganys, October Caddis and some decent hopper action is on the menu right now. Some of the best fishing in Missoula can be found on the Clark Fork this time of year. For flies try Trico Hi-Vis, Brindlechute, Hecuba Cripple, Last Chance Cripples have been working well. Bigger bugs like the Water Walkers, Plan B’s and Flush Floater will also continue to produce throughout September. Droppers include G-Kes Ptail Hot Spot, Jiggin Stones and just about any color Perd’s.

Rock Creek

Rock Creek  The hopper fishing is producing some great fishing and October Caddis have started to show up. Streamer fishing has been great lately. Most days there is no need to go subsurface unless you want to. Dries all day long is the game right now. The creek will get better and better as the temps drop.