Lightweight Fly Shop

07/31/2026

ATTENTION!!

East AND West Forks of the Bitterroot are on Hoot Owl restrictions!

Current restrictions and closures, including hoot-owl

07/24/2026

There will be a day this winter when you're scraping ice off the windshield, staring at gray skies, and wishing you were somewhere else.

Book the trip you'll be thinking about then.

Summer on the Bitterroot means cold river mornings, rising trout, mountain views, and a boat full of stories you'll be telling long after the season ends.

Whether you're looking to catch your first trout on a fly or chase the fish of a lifetime, we'll help you make the most of your day on the water.

Montana summers are short. Make one count.

Call 406-499-7729 to reserve your trip.

07/22/2026

**UPDATED POST**

HOOT OWL RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT FOR THE MAIN STEM OF THE BITTERROOT

THIS INCLUDES adjacent sloughs, ditches, and canals. I spoke with Pat at FWP this morning to clarify.

No fishing from 2:00 PM to Midnight

Tributaries are NOT included in this restriction unless separately posted by FWP.

Always check current Montana FWP regulations before fishing.

https://fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions/waterbody-closures

07/22/2026

**Your boat works hard. Take care of it.**

Sun, river grime, fish slime, sunscreen, dust, and road miles all take a toll on your raft, drift boat, or watercraft throughout the season.

**303 Boat Wash** quickly removes dirt and buildup without harsh chemicals, while **303 Aerospace Protectant** helps shield surfaces from UV damage, fading, cracking, and premature wear.

A few minutes of maintenance can add years to the life of your gear.

Stop by Lightweight Fly Shop and pick up both before your next trip.

**Clean it. Protect it. Fish longer.**

**Pro Tip: A thin coat of protectant helps you glide over subsurface rocks! ** **

📍 Stevensville, Montana

07/21/2026

HOOT OWL ALERT!!

The following message just came through from our friends at Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana:

FOAM Outfitters and Guides,

Michelle McGree, Habitat Bureau Chief, Fisheries Division for Fish, Wildlife & Parks, let us know today that the following angling restrictions will be implemented effective tomorrow (22 July 2026). As always check with FWP’s Restrictions and Closures page for the most up-to-date angling restrictions.

Hoot Owl:

Big Hole River - Section 2 (Region 3)
The confluence with North Fork of the Big Hole River to Dickie Bridge

Upper Madison River (Region 3)
Eight Mile FAS to Ennis Reservoir

Shields River (Region 3) - Bridge over Shields River upstream of Wilsall between Jordan Bench and Pinkerton roads to confluence with Yellowstone River.

Yellowstone River (Region 3,5) - HWY 89 Bridge to HWY 212/310 Bridge

Smith River (Region 4) - From the confluence of the North and South forks of the Smith River to Eden Bridge

Upper Clark Fork (Region 2) – narrative listed downstream to upstream: From the Clark Fork’s origin at the confluence of Warm Springs Creek and Silver Bow Creek to the mouth of Flint Creek

Bitterroot River (Region 2) – narrative listed downstream to upstream: Confluence of the East and West Forks to the confluence with the Clark Fork River

Hopefully, these extremely hot days will dissipate soon.

07/21/2026

Thank you, Bitterroot Water Partnership, for all that you do for our precious resources!

07/03/2026

MISSING FLY RODS/REELS

Fly rods left at Stevensville boat ramp yesterday, July 2nd, on the Bitteroot. Thanks again for your help.

The equipment:

Sage X 590-4 with a Spectrum LT reel

Sage R8 596-4 with a fighting butt and a Sage Shift Reel

Sage Foundation 590-4 with a spectrum LT reel.

Please keep an eye out!🤘🏼

If you found them, please drop them off at the shop so we can get them back to their people.

06/25/2026

06/25/2026

It's shaping up to be a cool, wet weekend. We have NEW rental boots and waders, as well as base layers and rain jackets in stock!

06/25/2026

Cool weather could mean HOT fishing this weekend!

Be prepared for potential rain, perhaps even slush falling from the sky. We have a rental fleet of NEW waders and boots available, as well as rain gear and base layers from Grundéns. Stay dry, stay warm, keep fishing!