Bitterroot River

The Bitterroot River in Montana is a medium sized stream that begins with the confluence of the East Fork Bitterroot and the West Fork Bitterroot near Connor, MT. The Bitterroot River flows through some wonderful scenery, and travels in the Bitterroot Valley between the Sapphire mountains and the Bitterroot mountains. The Bitterroot Valley itself is lush by Montana standards, and is also located in a sort of banana belt. The Bitterroot River has moderate fly fishing pressure in relation to other Montana rivers. During the early season, fly fishing pressure can be heavy, but tapers off as the summer wears on.
The river has moderate flows in its upper stretches with slower stretches below Florence. The banks of the Bitterroot River are a mix of woodland and grass, as the valley is a prime agricultural area in Montana.

Fishing the Bitterroot

The Bitterroot River is quickly gaining it’s reputation as one of the premiere trout rivers in the western part of Montana. Due to its geographic location and conditions, the Bitterroot seems to have it all. Runs, riffles, pools, flats, gravel bars and numerous braids and channels combine to create a river of remarkable diversity. Fishing pressure ranges from high during specific hatches to low during the fall – which is a surprise considering how heavily built-up the Bitterroot Valley has become in recent years.
The primary fish found in the Bitterroot are rainbow trout. Brown trout are found in the upper part of the river in decent numbers, although they are not of the monstrous size found in other Montana rivers. Cutthroat trout, many of decent size, are also found extensively in the upper portion of the river, especially upstream from Hamilton. The best fly fishing during this hatch occurs during the afternoon, particularly on days that are warm and sunny. Popular flies for this hatch include the Olive Stimulator and Skwala Stone, in sizes 6-8.
The fly fishing on the Bitterroot River generally kicks into high gear in the spring, during the Skwala stonefly hatch. Large brown trout are regularly taken during this hatch on the upper poart of the river, although they must be released, as the fishing during this time is catch and release only. The Skwala hatch generally begins in early March and can last all the way through the end of April. Any angler who will be visiting the Bitterroot River during this hatch should be prepared for all sorts of weather.
The water will also be just a tad above freezing, so floaters should arrive with neoprene gloves and booties to keep the extremities from freezing solid. Anyone who will be wading should also bring some very warm, insulated waders. Using a thin wader designed for warm weather use will quickly freeze any angler down to the bone.
Beginning usually in early May, the Bitterroot River frequently begins to get blown-out by spring run-off – although it can occur earlier during warmer weather or later during cold springs. Since the Bitterroot drains some sizable mountain ranges that receive lots of snow, spring run-off can turn the river into a fast moving, muddy mass of water. Fly fishing during the height of spring run-off becomes difficult if not impossible.
The Bitterroot River generally begins to clear up by late May or early June. As the river clears and recedes, the entire length of the river becomes a wonderful place for fly fishing with standard small dry fly patterns, such as the Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams and the Pale Morning Dun. Sizes of these flies should range from 8-14.
By the end of June, even during cold springs following heavy snowfall years, the Bitterroot River will generally be clear and still have decent flows, as the heavy duty irrigation use will not have started yet. It’s perfect timing, too, since one of the prime hatches on the Bitterroot occurs during this time – the Green Drake and Brown Drake hatch, which can last into the middle of July.
Some of the best, and most difficult, fly fishing on the Bitterroot River occurs during September and October during the large Trico hatches. Fishing during this hatch is demanding, as the flies are tiny, the leaders are long and light, and presentations is key. Accurate cast to rising trout and drag free floats are a primary requirement for fishing success during this time. However, for the angler who is comfortable fly fishing under these circumstances, some very large rainbow trout and an occasional large brown trout await. When fishing during this hatch, don’t ignore the many braids and channels of the Bitterroot River, especially those found around Darby and again further downstream near Missoula. Popular fly imitations for this hatch include the Parachute Adams, Sparkle Dun and the Parachute Trico, in very small sizes ranging from 18-22.
Click Here for Real-Time Water Data for the Bitterroot River.