West Fork of the Bitterroot River Fishing Report – July 27, 2025
The West Fork is in fantastic summer shape right now, with steady flows, crystal-clear water, and hungry trout feeding aggressively on the surface. This stretch of river is tailor-made for dry fly fishing in late July, with hoppers and small mayfly patterns taking center stage. While the heat of the day slows things a bit, early mornings and late afternoons are delivering steady action for cutthroat and rainbow trout. Our guides are running both raft and walk/wade trips here, finding pods of rising fish in side pockets, riffles, and along grassy banks.
Current Conditions
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Flows: Low, clear, and perfect for wade and raft fishing. Slower pools and side channels are holding plenty of trout.
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Water Temperature: Cool in the morning (low 60s) and warming by midday—ideal for early starts and evening sessions.
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Weather: Warm days, sunny skies, and just enough afternoon breeze to knock a few terrestrials into the water.
What’s Working
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Dry Flies: Hoppers are now the main event. Morrish Hopper, Pink Chubby, and Thunder Thighs (sizes 8–12) are producing big eats along banks and seams.
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Attractor Patterns: Purple Haze, Royal Wulff, and Parachute Adams (sizes 14–16) are taking fish in riffles and slick tailouts.
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Droppers: A beadhead Pheasant Tail, Frenchie, or small Perdigon (sizes 14–18) dropped 12–18” below your hopper will pick up fish in deeper pockets.
Guide Tips
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Focus on shaded banks and foam lines for aggressive dry fly takes from late morning through mid-afternoon.
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Fish are keying on smaller attractors early—start with a Purple Haze or Adams before switching to hoppers as the day warms up.
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A stealthy approach is critical in the clear water—long leaders and light tippet will help you fool wary cutthroat.
Why Fish the West Fork Now?
This is prime time for dry fly action on the West Fork, with the river’s remote setting and eager fish making for a perfect Montana summer experience. Our guides are running early morning floats and walk/wade trips to take full advantage of the best fishing windows. If you want to experience hopper eats and crystal-clear water with fewer crowds, book a trip now while conditions are at their peak.
