Bitterroot River Fishing Report
Our Bitterroot River fishing report comes to you straight from the river! We tell it like it is and take pride in providing the most accurate Missoula fishing report available. When you want to know how the fishing is, what tactics to use, or what flies to tie on, we’re your one-stop Missoula fly shop.
QUALITY RATING
Full details below
April 7, 2026
CURRENT CONDITIONS
The Bitterroot is fishing well! Skwala's are out and fish are looking up. It is busy out there and the fish are starting to get picky. Look for fish to be tight to cover, in side channels or places where they aren't getting fished too as much. Low riding Skwala flies like Water Walkers, Rogue Stones and Andy's Cadillac's are much better that the high riding flies with big wings at this point. On the cloudy days there are a lot of BWO's and March Brown's around as well. This week looks sunny so you might not see as many. Having a few in the box, just in case you see fish rising to them in the back eddies and swirlies is a must. Sz 18 for the BWO's and sz. 14-16 for the March Browns. If you aren't getting fish to come up to your Skwala, drop a rubberlegs, Jig PT, Jig Prince, Blow Torch, Frenchie or San Juan off the back. Streamer fishing will be tough with the bright sun this week, but if the water comes up it could be an option.
Looking Forward
The warm weather will most likely have the river rising at some point this week. If that's the case fishing could be off for a bit. Nymphing and streamers will come more into the mix.
FLOATERS BEWARE
Lots of trees are down again this year and a few places are dangerous. Give our Missoula fly shop a call for up-to-date information. 1/2 off Fridays are still happening, every Friday all year long. (1/2 off your first dozen dries or nymphs)
FEATURED FLIES
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BITTERROOT RIVER Conditions
Know before you go! Understand current Bitterroot River flows and conditions before hitting the water.
BITTERROOT RIVER FLOWS
BITTERROOT VALLEY WEATHER
See the Bitterroot fishing report weather forecast for the next 7-days. For more information on the forecast or detailed weather data, please visit NOAA Weather Data – Stevensville, Montana.
