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:

70

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Hoot owl restrictions (prohibits angling between 2 PM to midnight) are in effect for the Bitterroot River in its entirety, from the confluence of the East and West forks to the confluence with the Clark Fork River starting July 22. Hoot owl restrictions (fishing prohibited 2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the East Fork Bitterroot River - from Star Falls to confluence with the West Fork starting August 1. Hoot owl restrictions (prohibits angling between 2 PM to midnight) are in effect for the West Fork Bitterroot River - from Painted Rock Dam to the confluence with the East Fork Bitterroot River starting August 1. Hoot owl restrictions (fishing prohibited 2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for Upper Lolo Creek from the headwaters to the confluence with South Fork Lolo Creek starting July 29. The Root is producing great terrestrial fishing during the morning hours. Fish are hiding tight against grassy banks, overhanging sweepers, and deep riffle edges waiting for hoppers and ants to drop off the bank. Focus your fishing on the upper river stretches where water temperatures remain coolest.

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 8/7/26

The Bitterroot valley will have highs in the 80s and 90s over the weekend. Looking into next week the temps will stay in the 80s at the beginning of the week and then towards the end of week temps will cool off into the 70s.

Techniques & Tips as of 8/7/26

A dry dropper set up will be the best option in the morning to find fish and cover water. Run a size #10–#12 Hopper, Water Walker, or Chubby Chernobyl tight against the grassy banks, and trail a Blowtorch, Frenchie, or Pheasant Tail 18 to 24 inches below. If fish are rising throw a small ant or beetle pattern at them. Be on the lookout for tricos as they will be hatching soon.

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 #10-14
Elk Wing Caddis N/A #12-16
Adam's Purple Parachute N/A #12-14
Fly Formerly Known As Prince N/A #12-14
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
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:

Terrestrials

Best Time to Fish:

Morning

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.