The Bitterroot River

Wednesday, March 18: Picked up Rick Schmitt (above right, holding fish) at the Missoula airport. Ate dinner (fish & chips) at the English pub (Hamilton House) in Victor. Ate too much. Pulled into Backdoor Outfitters south of Stevensville, MT around 8pm. Got to bed early.

Thursday, March 19: Fished the Bitterroot from Blodgett to Tucker (river crossings) with guide, John Cook. We've fished with him off and on over the last 10 years. John and his wife, Pat (photo right), have a small ranch near the Bitterroot River with cabins for guests. It's a great place to stay and hang out. Streamside lunch locations (above left) are always chosen with great views in mind.

Got started on the river around 11:30. Good trout activity in the early afternoon, then slow. Boated somewhere in the neighborhood of a dozen--rainbows, cutthroats & browns. Nice day. Some sun, mostly cloudy, maybe mid 50's. Had pizza delivered to the cabin. In bed by 10.

Friday, March 20: Fished Wally to Angler's Roost. Bright, sunny day, maybe mid 60's. Too nice, apparently. The fish were nowhere near as active. Fewer bugs as well. Still caught some nice trout on dry flies (Skwala imitations--early season stone flies) prospecting. Not as good as yesterday, but good enough. Beautiful day.

Saturday, March 21: A perfect looking day. Warm, cloudy, calm. Floated from Tucker to Bell. Managed to catch a few trout on the surface using Skwala imitations, but saw virtually no rises and only a few bugs. Still, a very good day on the river.

Sunday, March 22: Left John & Pat and drove east in a serpentine fashion via the Big Hole River headwaters town of Wisdom, MT. Lots of snow there. Arrived in Twin Bridges around 2pm and set up in an apartment above the 4 Rivers Fly Shop. While there appears to be little cell phone service here, I at least have temporary internet access!