Bitterroot River Fishing Report

Hoot owl restrictions (prohibits angling between 2 PM to midnight) are in effect for the Bitterroot River in its entirety, from the confluence of the East and West forks to the confluence with the Clark Fork River starting July 22. 

Hoot owl restrictions (fishing prohibited 2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the East Fork Bitterroot River - from Star Falls to confluence with the West Fork starting August 1. 

Hoot owl restrictions (prohibits angling between 2 PM to midnight) are in effect for the West Fork Bitterroot River - from Painted Rock Dam to the confluence with the East Fork Bitterroot River starting August 1. 

Hoot owl restrictions (fishing prohibited 2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for Upper Lolo Creek from the headwaters to the confluence with South Fork Lolo Creek starting July 29.

Tip of the Week The Root is fishing well during the early morning hours. Fish are up tight against grassy banks, overhanging sweepers, and deep riffle edges waiting for hoppers and ants to drop into the water. Focus your fishing on stretches where water temperatures remain coolest.

7 Day Outlook The Bitterroot valley will be hot on Saturday with the temps in the 90s and then  they will drop into the 70s on Sunday. The start of next week will have temps in the 70s and towards the end of the week temps will be back into the 80s.

Best Techniques A dry-dropper setup in the morning is the best way to track down some fish. Run a size #10–#12 Hopper, Water Walker, or Chubby Chernobyl tight against the grassy banks, and trail a Blowtorch, Frenchie, or Yellow Spot Pheasant tail 18 to 24 inches below. For technical fish sipping along slow bank seams at first light, present a single Ant or Beetle. Be on the lookout for Tricos in the morning as well.

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.