The Bitterroot runs south to north through one of the most scenic valleys in western Montana, and it’s one of the most interesting rivers you can fish near Missoula. It carries around 700 trout per mile along its length, averages about three feet deep, and stretches over 125 feet wide in places. That combination makes it fish more like a small stream than the big river it actually is. Don’t let the gentle appearance fool you. The Bitterroot is considered one of the more dangerous rivers in Montana because it looks easy until it isn’t.
Our guides float the Bitterroot regularly and know it well. If you’re booking a guided fly fishing trip out of Missoula and want dry fly water, the Bitterroot should be near the top of your list.
What You’ll Catch
The Bitterroot holds brown trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat, cut-bow hybrids, bull trout, brook trout, mountain whitefish, and some northern pike in the lower sections. It’s a diverse fishery and productive through most of the season.
Hatches and Best Times to Fish
Spring kicks off with Skwala stoneflies, Nemouras, Blue Winged Olives, and Western March Browns. The Skwala hatch on the Bitterroot is one of the earlier dry fly opportunities in western Montana and worth planning a trip around. Pre-runoff fishing from February through April can be excellent before snowmelt muddies things up.
Summer brings the Salmonfly hatch, then Golden Stones, PMDs, Pale Evening Duns, and Tan Caddis. The lower sections of the Bitterroot see Trico hatches as well. In the heat of July and August, the fishing is still good but you need to work the edges of the day. Early mornings and evenings are where it’s at during the hot stretch. Hoppers and terrestrials become a reliable option through the summer months and into September.
Fall is when the Bitterroot settles back down and the fishing gets comfortable again. Blue Winged Olives, October Caddis, and Mahoganies are the hatches to watch for. October on the Bitterroot can be as good as any time of year.
One thing worth knowing: the Bitterroot has a lot of spring-fed side sloughs that clear faster than the main stem during runoff. When the main river is blowing out, your guide will know where to look.
What to Expect on a Float
The upper sections of the Bitterroot are higher gradient with more riffles and defined pools. The lower river flattens out into long glides with good riffles. Both sections fish well depending on the time of year and what’s hatching. A full day on the Bitterroot covers a good stretch of water and gives you a real feel for the river.
If you’re looking for a Missoula fly fishing guide to take you on the Bitterroot, we run this river throughout the season. Reach out and we’ll tell you exactly how it’s fishing and which section makes the most sense for your dates.
