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Discover the Technical Angler's Paradise on the Bitterroot River
Explore the Bitterroot River with expert fly fishing guides who know how to fish its endless undercut banks
and tight log jams. Whether you love dry fly fishing, streamers, or dropper fishing, our catch-and-release trips provide a memorable experience in Montana’s stunning landscapes. Designed for all
skill levels, each trip is customized to maximize your time on the water.
March and April dry fly fishing are arguably the best months on this river to produce big fish on dry flies.
Nestled in the stunning landscapes of Western Montana, the Bitterroot River flows for over 80 miles, carving its way through picturesque valleys and rugged mountains.
Every bend of the river reveals stunning water, with endless undercut banks and cottonwood trees creating a haven for brown trout.
The river’s numerous hatches and hiding spots make it a technical angler’s paradise. It fishes well all season, but the Skwala Stonefly hatch in March / April is the best time for big fish on dry flies.
Ready to fish the Bitterroot with a local expert? Book your trip today and experience one of Montana’s most rewarding rivers.
Bitterroot Fly Fishing Seasons and Hatches
Early Spring (Mid-March to April):
Starting in mid-March through April, one of the river’s prime hatches is the skwala stonefly—the first large fly trout encounter after winter. As temperatures warm up in mid-April, grey drakes, march browns, and blue-winged olives also come into play.
Late Spring to Early Summer (May to July):
Once the river settles after runoff in May, hatches like golden stoneflies, pale morning duns, and green drakes become abundant, emerging from late June into July.
Summer (July to August):
As these hatches wane, terrestrials and tricos take over as the primary food sources through August. Dry fly fishing remains productive, especially with hopper patterns.
Fall (Late August to September):
In late August and September, cooler nights bring fall mayfly hatches. The emergence of mahogany duns and blue-winged olives brings quality fish to the surface.
Year-Round Streamer Fishing:
For those who enjoy streamer fishing, big fish can be found from March through November, with countless hiding spots awaiting your cast.
Why Fly Fish the Bitterroot River with Us?
Missoula Fly Water fishing guides possess extensive knowledge of the Bitterroot River, honed through years of experience on its waters. We'll help you navigate its technical challenges and unlock its secrets, whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fly fishing.
Nestled in the stunning landscapes of Western Montana, the Bitterroot River flows for over 80 miles, carving its way through picturesque valleys and rugged mountains. Every bend of the river reveals stunning water, with endless undercut banks and cottonwood trees creating a haven for brown trout. Our guides spend all winter tying custom fly patterns just for these educated and wary brown trout.
The river’s numerous hatches and hiding spots make it a technical angler’s paradise. The upper river near Hamilton, MT, boasts a healthy population of eager cutthroat trout, while further downstream, quality rainbows and browns become more prevalent.
It is famously known for its early season Skwala Stonefly hatch in March / April which has become one of the more popular times to book a fly fishing trip in Missoula for pursuing big fish on dry flies. If you enjoy casting flies tight on the bank and fishing obscure water this is the river for you.
