Fishing Season: Year round; some tributaries closed December 1-third week of May. Check regulations before fishing.

Bitterroot River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

65

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Our tip of the week is to walk! With unusually low flows this year, many of our rivers have better wade access than normal. Take advantage of the best stream access laws in the country and cover some river miles below the high water mark. By putting some distance between yourself and your vehicle, you can find areas that don't get as much pressure. The fish you will find there may be a bit easier to trick with your fly and who knows, you may even find your new honey hole!

Directions open in app

Map of Bitterroot River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Blackfoot River Outfitters
Blue Damsel Lodge
Montana Hunting and Fishing Adventures
Triple Creek Ranch

5-Day Outlook as of 9/19/25

It’s going to be a beautiful week up the Bitterroot Valley. Night time temps in the 40’s are helping keep water temperatures down. Daily highs are in the mid-70’s to mid-80’s. Fishing should be good throughout the day, especially if we get some cloud cover. *There are currently MANY obstructions on the Bitterroot. When In Doubt, Eddy Out! As always, we want anglers to know that they are responsible for their own wellbeing when they are on the water. As an outfitter, we will try our best to bring known dangers to light, but conditions and obstructions are always changing and we can't possibly keep up with every danger that may present itself. When in doubt, eddy out and walk downstream to get a good look at what you're dealing with!

Techniques & Tips as of 9/19/25

Tricos and terrestrials are still offering some action for the dry fly angler and will be your best option if it’s sunny. Clouds will make for better dry fly fishing and potentially some hecubas. Dry-dropper fishing with a hopper or micro chubby up top and a small perdigon or frenchie below. Streamer anglers are having decent success.

Local Species Available Year round; some tributaries closed December 1-third week of May. Check regulations before fishing.

  • Fish Icon

    Trout - rainbows

  • Fish Icon

    browns and cutties - whitefish

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Stimulator N/A #10-12
Indicator Spinner - Trico N/A #18-20
Sparkle Dun N/A #16-18
Parachute Pheasant Tail N/A #14-18
TJ Hooker N/A #08-12
Sparkle Minnow N/A #04-08
Bead Head Hare's Ear Nymph N/A #12-16
Tunghead Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail N/A #14-18
Plan B N/A #8-10
Kreelex N/A #6

Stimulator

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Item #0928

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Blackfoot River Outfitters's Recommended Gear

Description: About Bitterroot River

The panoramic mountains of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness towering above this river make for an unforgettable setting. The Bitterroot affords anglers over 80 miles of varied freestone trout water ranging from riffles and runs to undercuts and deadfalls. This river's largest fish often rise to dry flies even in non-hatch conditions. One of our guides claims that "If you catch a fish on the Bitterroot, you could have caught it with a dry fly!" This probably isn't far from the truth in light of our fishing dries here 90% of the time (often with an additional bead head dropper). Renowned hatches of stone and may flies are in full force by March, providing the state's best early season surface action and Bitterroot river fish tend to look up for the rest of the season. Expect to catch native westslope cutthroat, rainbows and browns on any outing.

Nearest Airport:

Missoula International Airport (MSO)

Hatches:

Tricos and Terrestrials

Best Time to Fish:

Early AM

Best Stretch:

Most of the river is looking good. Keep an eye out for potential jams and portages.

Best Access:

Multiple fishing access sites throughout the river.