Bitterroot River Fishing Report
Conditions At-a-glance
Our Report
Local Forecast
Deer Lodge, MT, USAThe Hatch
TerrestrialsFeatured Flies
Solitude Fly Company
Solitude Tungsten Jig TNT- PMD
Price
$3.25
Solitude Fly Company
Solitude Tungsten Jig Perdigon- PMD May
Price
$3.25
Montana Fly Company
MFC Jake's Depth Charge Jig Worm- Hot Pink
Price
$3.25
Montana Fly Company
Galloup's Conehead Barely Legal
Price
$6.95
Montana Fly Company
Galloup's Mini Peanut Envy Black
Price
$7.95
Montana Fly Company
Coffey's Conehead Sparkle Minnow
Price
$4.95
Montana Fly Company
Articulated Sparkle Yummy JJ
Price
$7.95
Specifics
Link to Water Flow Graph
Visibility
Clear
Water temperature at mid-day
70
Water Condition
Clear and Dropping
Best time of day to fish
Morning
Best stretch
The whole river is in play. 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 Grand
Best sinking fly line
Scientific Anglers Trout Express or Rio Predator F/I/S3
About This Water
Noted for exceptional dry fly fishing throughout its 80 mile course, the Bitterroot wonders through cottonwood bottoms in the shadow snow capped peaks. Major hatches of stoneflies, mayflies, and caddis start early in March here and continue on right through November. The braided nature of the Bitterroot provides for delightful combination float/wade trips affording anglers to get out of the boat periodically to ply oft overlooked side channels and backwaters. Fly fishing the Bitterroot seldom disappoints.
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