Florence Bridgeon Bitterroot River
What's working on Bitterroot River
- 01Fall terrestrial fishing remains consistently strong along grassy banks.
- 02Larger October Caddis are actively emerging, drawing aggressive strikes, particularly from Westslope Cutthroat Trout.
- 03Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are beginning to appear, especially on more overcast afternoons.
- 04Mahogany Duns are also starting to make their presence known on the water.
- 05Subsurface activity is solid, with nymphs and streamers enticing opportunistic feeders.
What to tie on at Florence Bridge
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Pheasant Tail Nymph
Explicitly recommended in local reports for nymphing and as a versatile dropper, mimicking various active mayfly nymphs.
Buy at AmazonChubby Chernobyl
Explicitly recommended in local reports for dry-dropper rigs and mentioned in regional signals for aggressive trout taking large foam dries.
Pat's Rubber Legs
Explicitly recommended in local reports for nymphing as a stonefly imitation, highly effective for getting to deeper holding fish.
Buy at AmazonMarch Brown Dry
With 'increasingly strong hatches of March Browns', this pattern is essential for actively rising trout in the clearer upper sections of the Bitterroot.
San Juan Worm
Explicitly mentioned in recent reports as a reliable pattern when the river is high, excellent for attracting fish in turbid conditions.
Buy at AmazonMother's Day Caddis
Recent intelligence signals confirm Mother's Day Caddis are 'showing up', making this a prime imitation for adult caddis during this prolific spring hatch.
Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun
BWOs are consistently present and hatching with increasing strength. This low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout keying into emergers and adults.
Copper John
Explicitly recommended in local reports for nymphing, serving as an effective all-around attractor nymph in faster currents.
Buy at AmazonSquirmy Wormy
Explicitly recommended in local reports for nymphing, particularly effective after any rainfall or flow fluctuations.
Buy at AmazonMontana season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.