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The Bitterroot River provides a unique fly fishing opportunity in Montana. The wading is excellent, with big fish you can easily spot in the water. Though fishing in Montana's rivers may seem simple, some guides refer to the Bitterroot River as the "Betternot" because of the challenge of catching trout that keep their mouths shut. It might be the toughest river in the region, and catching a few fish on some days is a true achievement. But that’s just where its appeal lies. It’s a great fishing destination that offers many outstanding qualities—beautiful surroundings, fly fishing, and the opportunity for an amazing day with a fantastic insect emergence. That is the Bitterroot!
About Bitterroot River
The Bitterroot River flows freely below tall cottonwoods and ponderosa pine trees in western Montana. In addition to stunning views, the Bitterroot beckons fishermen to test their skills against impressive quantities of rainbow, brown, and native West Slope cutthroat trout.
Anglers are rewarded with different techniques along the Bitterroot River, from its beginning to where it meets the Clark Fork River in Missoula. However, it can sometimes be a confusing and challenging river.
Geography
The Bitterroot River starts where the East and West Fork of the Bitterroot meet near Darby, MT. The East Fork originates from the Anaconda Range, while the West Fork begins in the Bitterroot Range before flowing into Painted Rocks Reservoir. In the warmer seasons, this part of the West Fork below the dam offers refreshing, clear water when finding elsewhere challenging.
Further along the Bitterroot River, it collects various creeks fed by springs before joining the Clark Fork River to the west of the town. Each of these branches presents distinctive difficulties and chances for fly fishing. These tributaries create varying water conditions depending on the season.
Flows
The Bitterroot River showcases some of the most extreme spring runoff events. It can experience flow levels reaching as high as 15,000 cfs during spring, a tenfold increase from its winter lows. This results in a distinct habitat within the Bitterroot River floodplain, where it is frequent to observe moose, deer, and elk searching for food or moving through pathways to get to this location.
Spring runoff can alter the Bitterroot River's appearance, turning it into a whole new body of water for fishing. But embracing and adjusting to the changes caused by this runoff is a challenge welcomed in the Bitterroot. Flow levels drop to a few hundred cfs during winter, but in the peak summer months, they usually stabilize at around 1,000 cfs. Knowing current weather and river conditions is essential for a Montana angler preparing for fly fishing on the Bitterroot River in Montana, as the runoff can vary.
Do not underestimate the danger of these high flows to fishermen who wade and float. However, this increase in streams triggers excellent spring fishing. Before the spring runoff, the Skwala stonefly hatch occurs as the first significant hatch. It is a spectacle to admire. Due to these factors, dry fly fishing on the Bitterroot in late March and April is one of the first opportunities in the West.
Fishing Seasons
Knowing when to fish during different seasons on the Bitterroot River is crucial for achieving success as a Montana angler. Every season impacts the river's ecosystem differently, affecting how fish behave and what they eat. Aligning your strategies and equipment with the changing seasons will improve your odds of catching the perfect fish, whether fishing in the sunny summer or enduring the chilly winter weather.
Spring
The Bitterroot River, located in the southern part of Missoula, is the first to awaken after the winter season. Bitterroot river fly fishing can be excellent from February 25 onwards and remain productive during run-off, usually beginning in late April, depending on the spring. The initial fly fishing hatches in the early season include a spectacular Skwala stonefly hatch and Nemouras, blue-winged olives, and Western March Browns. The Skwala hatch is considered one of the year's top dry fly fishing opportunities, drawing Montana fly fishing fans to witness this incredible event.
Another characteristic of the Bitterroot River becomes highly noticeable during the run-off process. As the high water decreases, the side channels of the Bitterroot River become active. Numerous sloughs are supplied with water from springs, becoming clear much sooner than the main river. Due to their clarity, numerous fish migrate to these sloughs and eat greedily. A Montana angler will enjoy fishing on the Bitterroot River if they excel at rowing and can navigate swift currents.
When it comes to floating, the Bitterroot River is considered one of the riskiest rivers in Montana based on statistics. Navigating the Blackfoot River or Rock Creek by floating is rapid, turbulent, and somewhat daunting. You must always keep your eyes on the water and your hands on the oars! Floating on the Bitterroot River can deceive you into feeling safe. After noticing how sluggish and uneventful it appears, some might opt to light their cigar or open a beer, but before they know it, a sweeper arrives and causes problems. Every Montana river adventure carries potential dangers, so stay vigilant on the 'Root, even if it seems simple. Many hire a Montana angler guide on this river for that purpose.
Summer
After the run-off period, the activity of fly fishing for the salmon fly hatch and golden stone hatch increases. This location on the river can be a dream come true for Montana dry fly fishermen, while other rivers in Missoula and Montana are experiencing high levels of fishing pressure. The quality of salmon flies improves as you travel south, with the West Fork experiencing an impressive hatch. You will find golden stoneflies, mayflies, and caddis throughout the river. Like other rivers in Missoula and throughout Montana, the best time for fly fishing is at the end of run-off.
In August, when the water levels decrease, the river can become quite shallow, and the fish can be very finicky! The extended, even stretches in the bottom part feature an impressive Trico hatch. However, you must prepare to perform well, which can be challenging. The fish will be forced to seek refuge on the bottom due to the day's intense heat. Fishing on the upper river will be slightly more manageable since the faster water and steeper gradient mean fish have less opportunity to inspect your fly! In high summer, fly fishing for hoppers and other land-dwelling insects on the Bitterroot River is among the top experiences in Montana.
Fall
When the initial September rains hit, the Bitterroot River awakens. The emergence of Blue Winged Olives, October Caddis, and Mahoganies commences. Fishing with streamers can be very successful before the bugs start hatching. As the temperatures decrease, the evenings become slightly longer, and it's time for Gentleman's Fishing to commence. Flying fishing the Bitterroot River is such a fantastic experience! The ideal Montana river and timing for those interested in having breakfast or a cocktail post-fishing. As autumn transitions to winter, the insect hatches decrease, and nymph fishing becomes more prominent.
Planning Your Trip
Deciding which amazing hatches to target can be daunting when planning your fly fishing adventure on the Bitterroot River. Fish measuring over 20 inches feed on flies in the entire main channel of the Bitterroot River, including the East and West Forks. Some top picks are located in the lower Valley, but Montana anglers frequently explore upstream of Hamilton depending on the season. The lower Bitterroot has more volume and fewer braids, while the upper Bitterroot is smaller and has more braids.
Also, downstream areas of the Bitterroot River feature extended sections with longer runs, tail-outs, and deeper troughs. In contrast, the upper Bitterroot is primarily made up of riffles and small, complex holding water. Various parts of the Bitterroot offer distinct experiences with their own personality and landscape. Look at some hatch calendars to identify the best time to schedule your next fly fishing trip on the Bitterroot River.
Due to the variety of flows, this river is suitable for Montana anglers fishing on foot or from a drift boat. Frequently, fishermen worry that the Bitterroot River is too large to fish in by wading. There may be occasions and areas where this is reasonable, but numerous braids, side channels, and designated public access points are available for starting. The primary river is also suitable for fishing while walking, but it needs a unique technique compared to a small stream.
The inexperienced observer might overlook numerous buckets and troughs in the vast areas of the Bitterroot. Like in any other place, locating untouched fishing spots and thoroughly exploring them can increase your chances of success.
Gearing Up
Many Montana anglers prefer a 9-foot 5-weight rod, practical on the Bitterroot River. But you can use different rods based on your desired fishing activity. Some anglers prefer to bring along a 9-foot 4-weight for grabbing the attention of dry fly eaters, a 9-foot 5 or 6-weight for hopper-dropper arrangements or heavy nymph setups, and a 9-foot 7-weight for fishing with streamers. You can opt to wet wade during hot Montana summers on the Bitterroot, but you only need waders and boots in colder seasons and winter. If you're not trying to get wet, there's no need to bring your waders in July!
Experience The Bitterroot Mile Club!
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