With the unseasonably hot dry weather that we’ve been having, FWP has instituted hoot owl closures on the Blackfoot to protect the fish from over stressing. So starting at 2pm anglers need to stop fishing and pull up their line for the day. The Bitterroot is getting quite low, but the cooler temps from the last day or two has gotten the water down into the 60’s, which is awesome.  The fishing on the East and West Fork has been a good option with the colder water. The morning fishing has been excellent with PMD’s, Yellow sallies, and baetis coming off in good numbers. The fishing should continue through the morning till about noon. The heat of the day is definitely creating a mid day break in the top water action from the heat, so be prepared to go subsurface with pheasant tails, caddis pupae, mayflies, small micro stones, lightning bugs, red fox nymphs, small flashback hare’s ears, and Pat’s rubber legs.

Given the historically hot conditions, FWP has enacted the hoot owl fishing closures. Since the water temperatures on the rivers have been in the mid 70’s by mid afternoon, the survivability of the fish drops dramatically from the low oxygenated water and high stress levels. It’s mandatory but also in the best interest of the resource to stop around 2pm and give those little fishes a break. Thanks for your cooperation.

HATCHES/Flies: Caddis, BWOs, Golden Stones, Baetis, PMDs, yellow sallies A Review of the Winston Fly Rod For more info on the Winston Nexus Fly Rod