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 17, 2026
CURRENT CONDITIONS
The Bitterroot has dropped and clarity has improved with the recent bout of cold weather. Flows at Darby hovering around 1,700cfs and 3,150 at Bell Crossing. Now is a great time to get on the Bitterroot and enjoy our spring hatches.
Starting the day sub-surface is key, as nighttime lows have kept the bugs and fish quiet until it warms up midday. Reach for TB Rubberlegs, Front St. Stones, Double Bead Stones, San Juans, Jig PT's, Jig Princes, Spanish Bullets and Blow Torches. Focus on the riffles, buckets and slow inside-bends and nymph deep (4'-6'.)
Plenty of fishing midday for the dry-fly enthusiasts. Tons of March Browns hatching on the Bitterroot right now, with skwalas still very much in the picture. Flies to have right now would be Caddilac Skwala's, Water Walkers, Clark Fork Stones and Rogue Stones. Make sure to have sz #14-16 March Brown's like Brindlechutes, Carnage Drakes and Flash Cripples.
Don't forget about streamers on the Bitterroot this time of year. Kreelex, Lil Kims, Sparkle Minnows, Mini-Dungeons, Goldies, Rusty Trombones and Mason's Juniors are some of our favorites. Get these flies deep and in the zone quick. Big fish in the Bitterroot will be looking for streamers as river levels fluctuate.
Looking Forward
The Bitterroot will continue to drop this weekend. Get out and enjoy this dry fly window while you can. Forecasted high temperatures next week could effect the dry fly fishing.
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.
