Bitterroot River Fishing Report

Tip of the Week The Bitterroot is fishing extremely well right now! It has dropped down to highly manageable flows making it easier to wader fish and fish are in their summer holding water. Riffle edges, tailouts, and soft bank seams are loaded with feeding fish. There have been multiple different kinds of bugs on the water so the fish are looking up. Log jams and debris are still a major hazard especially with the watering dropping as fast as it is, so floaters need to stay alert. Float cautiously!

7 Day Outlook The Bitterroot valley will see temps in the 50s through the weekend with rain both days. Looking into next week the temps will warm up a little into the 60s with the rain sticking around for a few of the days.

Best Techniques A dry-dropper rig Chubby Chernobyl or Water Walker on top is a great option. Drop a Perdigon, Jig TNT PMD or a Frenchie 18in to 3ft  below the dry. Throughout the day more smaller bug hatches will start with PMDs and Green Drakes hatching in the afternoon and evening. A single dry fly like a Purple Haze, On Point Para-Wulff PMD, Extended Body Green Drake or a Flash Cripple will do the trick.

Conditions change fast! Call us at 406.542.7411 for the most recent updates on area rivers, fly selection, and gear recommendations. Local to Missoula? Swing through the shop to get dialed in with the best gear from Orvis, Patagonia, and Skwala, plus the exact bugs they're eating today.