Tip of the Week The Bitterroot has dropped in flows in great condition right now. Salmonflies are starting to show up on the upper river so have your big bugs ready. The lower river is also fishing very well but not as many stoneflies flying around. 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 cool, wet, and rainy conditions through the weekend with highs maxing out in the 50s and 60s. The cool rainy days will continue throughout the week as well.
Best Techniques Rely on deep nymphing or large dry-dropper rigs to find active trout right now. Using larger, high-profile nymphs like stoneflies or San Juan worms. Streamer fishing will also be highly effective. Throw an Olive or Yellow Dungeon, an Articulated Sculpin Sparkle Yummy, or a Kreelex
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.
Montana Fly Company
Montana Fly Company
Montana Fly Company
Rio Products
Rio Products
Solitude Fly Company
Montana Fly Company
Montana Fly Company
Montana Fly Company
Montana Fly Company
Off Color
57
Off color and Slightly high
Late Morning until evening
The whole river is in play. See our fishing report above for the most updated information on obstructions.
Multiple fishing access points along the river.
Rainbows, browns, cutthroats, cutbows, pike minnows, suckers, pike and whitefish.
All Year
MSO (Missoula International Airport)
From a boat - 7.5' 3x-4x. Wading step it up to 9'
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.
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.
Scientific Anglers MPX or Rio Grand
Scientific Anglers Trout Express or Rio Predator F/I/S3
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.
Missoula, Montana's family owned, Orvis-endorsed fly fishing company.
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