An Overview of the Bitterroot River System
by Sean O'Brien

When the leaves begin to change and the Bitterroot is bursting with color this is the time for small bugs and long leaders. At the end of August and into September is when we start seeing the mico-mayfly know as the Trico.

This bug is a size 20-24 but let it's miniscule size fool you. When the Trico hatch is on you get a great perspective on just how many trout in the Bitterroot River. Hecubas follow the Tricos and this is our last drake hatch of the year. At this point you go from casting a size 22 fly back to throwing size 10-12 mayfly imitations.

As the hecubas spin off Mahogany Duns, Callibaetis and Blue Wing Olives lead us into the winter months and good dry fly fishing fades away at the end of Novemeber.