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
August 19, 2026
CURRENT CONDITIONS
The Bitterroot has fished well in the first half of the day. Nocturnal stones have been productive first thing. Terrestrial fishing has been productive closer to noon. Still a few PMDs and caddis here and there. Starting to see some tricos trickle in, too. Spruce moths hanging around on the upper Bitterroot, East and West Fork.
Dry-dropper fishing still the most productive way to fish. Chubby Chernobyls, Water Walkers, Juicy Hoppers and Henneberry Hoppers work well for the dry-dropper fishing. They're easy to spot and float high in sizes #10-14. Fishing TJ Hookers, Twenty Inchers, Prince Nymphs, and dark-colored perdigons 3-5' under the dry fly has been the ticket. The fish will be congregated in the riffles and along structure this time of year.
The dry-fly enthusiasts are starting to hone in on the trico hatch and terrestrial fishing midday. The best dry fly fishing is early. Trico spinners and clusters in sizes #18-22 are the ticket for picky risers keyed in on these small mayflies. Some of our favorites are the Hi-Vis Spinner, Hanging Midge, and Clusters. Long leaders and 5-6x tippet is required for this style of fishing.
Small hoppers, ants and attractors like Plan Bs, Hop-Drop-and-Rolls, Panty Droppers and GR Ants catching fish on the upper river. Stay prepared with small mayfly and caddis dries on the lower river.
Streamer fishing has been slow due to current river conditions. Kreelex Minnows, Sparkle Minnows, Goldies and Cleopatras are some of our favorites.
Looking Forward
Many of our Hoot Owl restrictions are being lifted, as temperatures start to cool off in and around Missoula. Trico fishing and hopper fishing can be excellent this time of year through September.
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 Flows & Conditions
Know before you go! Understand current Bitterroot River flows and conditions before hitting the water.
Bitterroot River Flows @ Missoula, MT
Bitterroot River Flows @ Bell Crossing Near Victor, MT
Bitterroot River Flows @ Darby, MT
West Fork Bitterroot River Flows @ Connor, MT
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.
