Bitterroot River Fishing Report
The Bitterroot River is one of the most reliable and diverse fisheries in the Missoula area, offering quality fly fishing opportunities throughout the year. Conditions on the Bitterroot can change quickly depending on flows, weather, and seasonal insect activity, so staying up to date is key to finding consistent success.
This Bitterroot River fly fishing report is updated regularly by our guides and staff to reflect current conditions, hatches, and techniques that are producing fish. Whether you’re planning a trip in the coming days or just keeping an eye on how the river is shaping up, this report will give you a clear picture of what to expect on the water.
Last Updated: April 15, 2026
How's the Fishing?: 4/5
The Bitterroot river fly fishing has been decent over the last few weeks. We experienced a bump in flows recently and now it's leveling off. Flows should remain high, which will make fishing a little tougher than usual this spring. We're still seeing Skwala adults, BWO's and March Browns hatching. The mornings are still a little chilly, so focus on subsurface fishing in the first part of the day and dry flies in the afternoon.
Next week's warm weather on tap should really improve the dry fly fishing and the numbers of bugs hatching.
What Hatches are Going?
Skwala, March Brown, BWO, Nemoura, Capnia
How's it going to be in a couple weeks?
In spring fashion, the weather forecast has been unreliable. But if the weather forecast holds true, we have some great looking spring weather over the next week and that should improve water temperatures and flows.
Bitterroot River Stream Conditions
Stream Flow (CFS)
Water Temperature (°F)
⚠️ Seasonal Data Notice: These temperature gauges are operational from late spring through fall. If a graph shows a “data not available” warning, the sensor is likely blocked by ice or inactive for the winter season. Check back as temperatures warm up — the gauges will resume delivering live data automatically.
Best Fly Patterns For Each Hatch
Important Resources
Fishing Reports for Other Rivers Near Missoula
Fish With The Best Fly Fishing Guides in Missoula Montana
