Bitterroot River Fishing Report
Updated Monday, March 18 at 9:18AMConditions At-a-glance
Our Report
Local Forecast
Deer Lodge, MT, USAConditions
Conditions are looking goodThe Hatch
Midges. Nemouras. Skwalas.Fly Patterns
USGS Water Charts
Specifics
Water Flow
794CFS (below average for this time of year)
Link to Water Flow Graph
Visibility
36"+
Water temperature at mid-day
47F
Water Condition
Clear
Best time of day to fish
Afternoon
Best stretch
The upper river will have cooler water and more consistent dry fly fishing. See our fishing report above for the most updated information on obstructions.
Best access point
Multiple fishing access points along the river.
Fish Species
Rainbows, browns, cutthroats, cutbows, pike minnows, suckers, pike and whitefish.
Fishing Season
All Year
Nearest airport
MSO (Missoula International Airport)
Recommended fly fishing leader
From a boat - 7.5' 3x-4x. Wading step it up to 9'
Recommended fly fishing tippet
3X, 4X and 5X will cover 90% of our fishing applications. 1-2X is great for punching out large, wind resistant dries in high dirty water. Don't drop lower than 12lb for streamers (we recommend a 4-5' 12-16lb tapered leader with a sink tip fly line). Leave the 6X at home.
Best fly fishing rod
The 9' 5WT is our do it all rod. Fast action rods will be best for most of our fishing; foam dries, dry-dropper fishing and nymphing. A fast action 6WT will be useful for large foam dries, small streamers, heavy nymph rigs and punching bugs through the afternoon wind. Bring a 7WT if you plan to fish large articulated streamers.
Best floating fly line
Scientific Anglers MPX or Rio Gold
Best sinking fly line
Scientific Anglers Trout Express or Rio Predator F/I/S3