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Bitterroot River Fishing Report

Bitterroot River Fishing Report

Conditions At-a-glance

Our Report

Tip of the Week:

When fishing terrestrial patterns, don't be afraid to size up your leader a bit. A short and stout leader, such as a 7.5ft 3x leader will work well for bigger flies and enable you to turn over larger flies in the wind. With terrestrials you don't need a delicate presentation, as naturals falling into the water are anything but delicate. Just focus on getting flies close to the banks and getting a drag free drift.

*See our 7 Day Outlook for updates on blockages jamming up the Bitterroot. 

7 Day Outlook: 

This past week in the Bitterroot Valley, we got a small bump in flows which brings us a little bit closer to what historical average for this time of year. The river is still running very low. Some sections are looking bony. We’re looking at cooler temperatures earlier in the week which should help bring water temperatures down just a bit. We will even be getting a little bit of rain earlier in the week. By the end of the week it will start to heat up again.

**There are currently fishing restrictions on the Bitterroot river by Montana FWP. Please refer to Montana FWP’s current waterbody restrictions to see the latest.** 

If you are floating please use extreme caution. This river changes rapidly and is known for producing fatal log jams. Give us a call for an updated obstruction report. If you see any issues be sure to call us or send pics so we can share the same. Thanks.

*There are currently MANY obstructions on the Bitterroot.

Hannon-Wally: Several sweepers in this section. It is getting tougher as water drops.

Wally-Anglers: flows over Sleeping Child dam are always dicey!  Don’t consider running after a scout unless you are highly skilled.  The channel around the left side is too low to consider.

Vets-Woodside: More wood down between New Bridge and Blodgett Park.  The river right channel will require careful scouting and likely boat dragging. 

Woodside-Tucker:  New tree down in right channel need to stay left here. The left channel at the split is open but be sure to choose your splits wisely, and the right channel over the diversion dam may need to be portaged. Have a look before you run it.

Tucker-Bell: Very sketchy in the channel through the woods now that the water has come up.  Consider going somewhere else until runoff subsides.

Bell-Stevi: Follow the sign that says “GO LEFT” to miss the log jam.  A new log is exposed in the “clear” channel so proceed with caution.

Stevi-Florence: Clear.  Follow the water at any splits.  As the river fluctuates it is smart to pull over and check for any potential changes.

When In Doubt, Eddy Out! As always, we want anglers to know that they are responsible for their own wellbeing when they are on the water. As an outfitter, we will try our best to bring known dangers to light, but conditions and obstructions are always changing and we can't possibly keep up with every danger that may present itself. When in doubt, eddy out and walk downstream to get a good look at what you're dealing with! 

Best Techniques:

In the Bitterroot Valley, we’re seeing some PMDs right now. Spruce Moths are in the upper river. Early mornings are fishing the best. For the rest of the day, nymphing will be the best bet. Bring some hopper, ant, and beetle patterns as opportunities to fish terrestrials begin to present themselves.

*Traveling or in a hurry?  Let our knowledgeable staff pick a fly selection for you!

*The Online Store is updated daily!  Check it out!

*Call us for up to the minute updates at 406.542.7411 or if you are in the area stop in for all your gear and the right bugs.

DRIES

  • Purple Haze #12-18
  • Corn Fed Caddis #12-14
  • Chubby Chernobyl #06-10 - Gold
  • Water Walker #8-12
  • Parachute PMD #14-18
  • Flash Cripple PMD #14-18
  • Last Chance Cripple PMD #16-20
  • Morrish Hopper
  • Richter Scale Spruce Moth
  • Para Ant

NYMPHS

  • TJ Hooker #8-12
  • Flexy Stone #06-08
  • Hot Bead Power Worm #06-10
  • Jig Prince #8-12
  • Frenchie #12-14
  • Perdigons and Bullets #12-14
  • Duracell #12-16

STREAMERS

  • Lil' Kim #04-08
  • Wooly Bugger/Thin Mint #6-10
  • Sparkle Minnow #04-08
  • Kreelex #04-06
  • Articulated Sparkle Minnow
  • Dungeons
  • Peanut Envy
  • Double Gonga

Local Forecast

Deer Lodge, MT, USA

Conditions

Just Okay.

The Hatch

PMDs. Spruce Moths. Some Hoppers, Ants, and Beetles.

Use these flies! You can even order online and pick up in-store

Dries

Nymphs

Streamers
Hot Spot Para-Wulff Hot Spot Para-Wulff
+3
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
A slim-bodied version, featuring a hot spot, of a few top notch parachute patterns. We love to fish these when a simmer profile is necessary to get the attention of those big picky sippers.
The Plan B The Plan B
+9
+8
+7
+6
+5
+4
$3.50
$3.50
A fly designed specifically for the rivers around Missoula. The Plan B in Olive is a phenomenal choice for anglers wanting Skwala dry eats. It sits extremely low to the water making it float very r...
Chubby Chernobyl Chubby Chernobyl
+12
+11
+10
+9
+8
+7
$3.50
$3.50
The Chubby Chernobyl is one of the most versatile and effective foam flies on the market. Changing the size or color of this pattern can help you imitate a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial i...
On Point Para Wulff On Point Para Wulff
+5
+4
+3
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
This extended body mayfly dry is a must have for matching any mayfly hatch. When the trusty Parachute Adams just isn't getting it done, we switch to this fly right here. It has become a secret weap...
Stranahan's Brindle Chute
$2.95
$2.95
The Brindle Chute, from legendary Bitterroot angler and fly tyer Chuck Stranahan, was developed to match the mayfly hatches on our local waters. The buoyancy and bug like characteristics make it ha...
Henry's Fork Foam Stone Henry's Fork Foam Stone
+2
+1
$3.50
$3.50
This variation of a Chubby Chernobyl is one of Mike’s “deadly dozen.” Designed to fool the finicky trout of the Henry’s Fork, this fly will get them anywhere stoneflies are present. This pattern is...
Carlson's Purple Haze
$2.95
$2.95
"'Scuse me while I cast this dry!"... The most popular mayfly pattern in western Montana, hands down. It's capable of matching the hatch, prospecting, and being an all around confidence fly when it...
Purple Haze Cripple
$2.95
$2.95
A cripple version of the famous Purple Haze pattern. In our experience this bug works really well on Stillwater and for those picky trout during thick mayfly hatches.
Film Critic Film Critic
+5
+4
+3
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
Hands down one of the best mayfly emergers in the game, the Film Critic shines on technical waters, especially spring creeks. It represents a hatching mayfly at its most vulnerable stage, giving ...
Elk Hair Caddis Elk Hair Caddis
+5
+4
+3
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
This pattern is another of those you should not be without. Caddis are a staple food for trout and are available many months per year. This can be fished many different ways to elicit a strike. Dea...
TJ Hooker TJ Hooker
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
Whether the mottled tan or dark brown is better remains an ongoing guide debate.  Both work exceptionally well.  Our guess is trout mistake these for stonefly nymphs but they also resemble small cr...
Tungsten Jig Girdle Bug Tungsten Jig Girdle Bug
+4
+3
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
Whether the mottled tan or dark brown is better remains an ongoing guide debate.  Both work exceptionally well.  Our guess is trout mistake these for Skwalla nymphs but they also resemble small cra...
Spanish Bullet Spanish Bullet
+8
+7
+6
+5
+4
+3
$2.95
$2.95
One of our guides favorite nymph patterns. The Spanish Bullet is the fly to match all your tiny Stonefly and Mayfly needs. Jigged with a tungsten bead.
Hot Bead Power Worm Hot Bead Power Worm
+2
+1
$2.50
$2.50
Hot-bead worms are a mainstay in our rivers all year long but especially in late winter and early spring. For reasons unknown to us the hot bead and red color is always better in colder water.  Fis...
Jig Napoleon Jig Napoleon
+4
+3
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
As a highly versatile and efficient fly, the Jig Napoleon boasts a quill body and Its tungsten material adds extra weight for getting down quickly. These quill body perdigons are lethal on the wate...
Jig Perdigon Jig Perdigon
+6
+5
+4
+3
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
Designed for optimal fly fishing performance, the Jig Perdigon features a tungsten bead for dense weight that ensures your flies get down quick in the water column. The eye-catching design and drop...
Sili Leg Stone Sili Leg Stone
+3
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
The Trusted Classic Stonefly Nymph. This pattern is excellent for imitating  Stoneflies in their aquatic form. Before the hatch ramps up on the surface, Trout are sure to be feeding below. To dial ...
Tungsten Jig Pheasant Tail Tungsten Jig Pheasant Tail
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
Another classic pattern that imitates Mayfly nymphs perfectly. This fly has been around for a long time and it's not going anywhere. This version is jigged with a tungsten bead and flash back to ma...
Jig Frenchie Jig Frenchie
+3
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
There is something about the Frenchie that just catches more fish than its mayfly nymph competitors. A simple fly that produces outstanding results. Try the Yellow version in #16 for PMDs
Jig BH Prince
$2.95
$2.95
A jig update to your grandpas favorite nymph.
Coffey's Conehead Sparkle Minnow Coffey's Conehead Sparkle Minnow
+4
+3
+2
+1
$3.95
$3.95
We were fishing streamers long before fishing streamers was cool but we have to admit, Coffey’s sparkle minnow literally changed the game. There was a time when spring streamer action was limited t...
Thin Mint Bugger TB
$3.95
$3.95
If you've ever eaten a thin mint cookie, you know how good they are and how you can't just eat one. The Thin Mint Bugger comes with a tungsten bead and a tri colored marabou tail. Whether you swing...
Lil' Kim
$3.95
$3.95
It's the L-I-L to the K-I-M, baby. Cast and strip, or swing with a trout spey set up. No streamer box would be complete without the Lil' Kim. Get it in copper to keep things natural, silver for wat...
Beadhead Woolly Bugger Beadhead Woolly Bugger
+4
+3
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
Same as the Woolly Bugger but with a beadhead for added weight. Good for lakes and rivers everywhere, from winter to summer. Our undying love of the woolly bugger isn't going anywhere, this is on...
Galloup's Mini Peanut Envy Galloup's Mini Peanut Envy
+6
+5
+4
+3
+2
+1
$6.95
$6.95
A Peanut Envy tied on smaller hooks but without losing any of the movement that this streamer is known for.
Galloup's Peanut Envy Galloup's Peanut Envy
+6
+5
+4
+3
+2
+1
$6.95
$6.95
A lighter version of the Circus Peanut with more movement. A versatile streamer that consistently works well on various styles of retrieves.
Kreelex Kreelex
+2
+1
$3.95
$3.95
Essentially a full flash Clouser Minnow, the Kreelex has proven its worth as a fish catching machine wherever predators eat small baitfish.  The slim profile and large dumbbell eyes allow it to sin...

USGS Water Charts

Specifics

Link to Water Flow Graph

https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?12352500"

Visibility

60"

Water temperature at mid-day

76F

Water Condition

Clear

Best time of day to fish

Early mornings are best!

Best stretch

The whole river is looking OK. 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 stone flies, 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.