Bitterroot River Fishing Report

Conditions At-a-glance

Our Report

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.

Local Forecast

Deer Lodge, MT, USA

The Hatch

Salmonflies and Goldenstones

USGS Water Charts

Specifics

Visibility

Off Color

Water temperature at mid-day

57

Water Condition

Off color and Slightly high

Best time of day to fish

Late Morning until evening

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.