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
October 16, 2025
CURRENT CONDITIONS
October on the Bitterroot is something special. Fishing has significantly improved on the Bitterroot following the most recent cool down.
Mahogany and BWO mayflies now the focus on the Bitteroot, both subsurface and on top. Start the day nymphing or streamer fishing, and keep an eye out for rising fish in the afternoon. Make sure to have a solid selection of duns and cripples for both hatches. We like the Ms. Tickle Cripples, DL Cripples, Flash Cripples and duns like the Tilt Wing, Split Flag and Parachute Roosters.
Subsurface, reach for a TJ Hooker, Rubberleg, Jig Pheasant Tail, Jig Prince, Jig Duracell or SJ Worm. Olive, brown or other natural-colored spanish bullets and perdigons are fooling fish keyed in on mayflies prior to the hatch.
Streamer fishing has improved on the Bitterroot. We like throwing the bigger junk this time of year–– Dungeons, Articulated Sparkle Minnows, Foxy Cleopatras and Boogiemen. Dead-drift or strip these from the bank or along structure and you'll find fish.
Looking Forward
Great fall fishing will continue on the Bitterroot as long as current conditions sustain. Make sure to get out there before winter creeps in!
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.
