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Fly Fishing the Bitterroot River

Majestic Mountains will be a companion as you travel down the clear water of the Bitterroot River. Flowing from south to north and eventually converging with the Clark fork River just outside Missoula city limits, the Bitterroot mountain range looks down on you on the west side and the open valley floor gives you the Big Sky feel as you float down the Bitterroot River on a beautiful Montana day.

The fly fishing Montana season unofficially begins in early spring (late March) with the famous Skwala stone fly bringing large fish up for a wake up meal. Many 20" plus fish are caught on the Bitterroot River this time of year, big dog fighting brown trout and airborne rainbows make up the fly fishers prey and many times the beautiful Westslope cutthroat trout will fall to your skwala imitation. Bitterroot River fly fishing enthusiasts count down to "Skwala" time. 

The upper reaches, south of Hamilton are a favorite stretch during the Salmon Fly hatch as the hatch begins at Hamilton and will work it's way upstream (south) going up the east and west forks. Fly fishing the Bitterroot River during the high water can bring some hazards, which occur on these upper stretches and John and his guides are adept at handling these with ease and confidence. 

Fly Fishing the Bitterroot River during the Golden Stone and Green Drake hatch in late spring and early summer can bring "Smashing" results. Overlapping these hatches comes the popular PMD in the mornings. Imagine casting small dry flies to rising trout on the Bitterroot River, fly fishing underneath the watchful eye of the Bitterroot mountain range on beautiful summer's day!

When the Dog Days of Summer arrive, the Bitterroot River gives way to finicky trout. Hopper patterns and Bugmeisters banged along the banks; wooly bugger types stripped in the riffle areas can bring up these summer trout. Early morning fishing is a great way to enjoy a summer fishing trip and may bring a large brown or jumping rainbow.

Summer gives way to the cooler days of Autumn and the darker colored mayflies start popping out. Tricos in the early morning can bring very large fish gorging on thousands of these tiny spinners. Fall Drakes, Blue Wing Olives in many sizes have the Bitterroot trout looking up and ready for fall mayfly meals. Hoppers still bring up trout and large fish until the first frosts arrive.

The beauty and crisp Autumn air and the changing colors, make fall fly fishing on the Bitterroot River an exciting and wonderful experience. The beauty of the fall season, the Bitterroot Mountain Range, cool clear water and a fly fishing trip on the Bitterroot is the ultimate trout fishing experience!

A Fly Fishing Trip on the Bitterroot River...makes it your next fly fishing vacation!