Here are photos of the Bitterroot near Bell Crossing on February 26, 2012. The cubic feet per second (CFS) was about 570. Temperature was in the low 30 degree range. Beautiful day. We like to give the fish a break in the winter while they are struggling to survive the cold, low water but I do like to chronicle the river in photos. Interesting to look back from year to year and compare winter conditions with spring, summer, and fall fishing observations. We love our rivers and all that lives in and on them. It is exciting to watch them as they change through the seasons.
All the river photos are taken from Bell Crossing Bridge looking north.
Finally after a pretty dry winter, we are getting more snow. Most of Montana was below 100% snow water equivalent, but that has changed and is forecasted to improve. A wet weather pattern is expected for early March. That is GREAT news for our rivers.Click the image for a larger view.
Wapiti Waters recommends this cottage for a couple or a couple of guys that are interested in fishing the upper Bitterroot River and even the Big Hole River in Montana. It is affordable, clean, private and quiet. There are year-round activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, canoe, cross country and downhill skiing. Lost Trail Powder Mountain and Chief Joseph Pass cross country ski trails are about 40 miles south. Painted Rocks Reservoir and Trapper Peak are 22 miles southwest on West Fork road.
This bright and cheery spacious river cottage sits
just 50′ from the river’s edge. Come and enjoy the luxury of your own
fishing hole and relax in the private treed setting.
It is a one bedroom home and is newly renovated and
completely outfitted for your comfort. A comfortable futon couch can be
used as an extra double bed, sleeping a total of four people. The
covered porch facing the river provides a great outdoor living space.
Its location in the southern end of the Bitterroot Valley makes this
home a recreationalist’s dream.
Bitterroot River at Darby Bridge looking north. 252 CFS on Jan 27, 2012 at 5:30 PM
Bitterroot River at Darby Bridge looking south. 252 CFS on Jan 27, 2012 at 5:30 PM
Click on image to see larger view – works for the photos, too.
The river looks beautiful. Jack and I were driving home from a great day at Lost Trail Pass ski area. A few days ago the ski area got 8 inches of new snow. The skiing was wonderful. We wanted to see the upper river up close and personal so we drove in to the old bridge just east of Darby, Montana.
We want to wish you a happy new year and hope it is a rewarding and successful year for all. We are looking forward to lots of snow this winter that will translate into plenty of water in our rivers all year long. Best wishes to you and yours from Wapiti Waters and Montana.
Wapiti Waters is already getting client dates on the calendar for 2012 spring and summer. Bookings get us thinking about river conditions and that takes us to the question “how much snow will we have in the mountains this winter?” The forecast is for a lot of snow…we better get started. Not much snow yet but we have a few more months to go.
