East Fork Bitterroot River - MT

• 

  Tunghead Hot Spot Pheasant Tail Jig

• Bead Head Prince

• Adams

• 

  Adam's Purple Parachute

• La Fontaine Sparkle Pupa

• Double Bunny

Jim Mitchell's Recommended Gear

• Best Leader:

  

  Super Strong Plus Leaders

• Best Tippet:

  

  SuperStrong Plus Tippet in 30- and 100-meter spools

• Best Fly Fishing Rod:

  

  6-Weight 9' Fly Rod

• Best Floating Fly Line:

  WF Trout Fly Line

• Best Sinking Fly Line:

  Clear Sink Tip Fly Line

Description: About East Fork Bitterroot River

The East Fork of the Bitterroot is one of the most beautiful and easily accessed streams in southwestern Montana. It begins on the Continental Divide deep in the Bitterroot National Forest. This freestone is made up of riffles, runs, boulders, and deep pools that hold 8- to 18-inch trout. The East Fork of the Bitterroot River has great fly fishing. As fishing pressure is generally quite low, the trout rise readily to dry flies. The river is quite narrow for most of its length; casting to most spots of the river is quite easy, making it an excellent choice for Tenkara fly fishing. With fast currents and large rocks in the river wading can be a challenge when the flows are up. When the flows are low the water is easy to wade, but most of it can be reached from the banks. Approach carefully: The water is clear, and the fish spook easily. For most of the year the flows on the East Fork of the Bitterroot are too low for floating.

Nearest Airport:

Missoula, MT (MSO)

Hatches:

Hecuba, Trico, BWO, Hoppers, Ants, Beatles, Caddis, Yellow Sally's, PMD, Midges

Best Time to Fish:

When you can go

Best Stretch:

All

Best Access:

All