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 13, 2025
CURRENT CONDITIONS
It's that time of year on the Bitterroot! Great fishing is had by those that are willing to work for it and are PATIENT. Unfortunately, not a secret that the Bitterroot is fishing well and everyone's getting in on the skwala hatch. Be courteous with other floaters/wade anglers and practcie proper fishing etiquette.
The Bitterroot bumped over the weekend, but is on the drop now (at least for the next several days.) Flows at Darby over 1,000cfs and dropping, with 2,100cfs at Bell Crossing. That certainly isn’t the biggest we will see the Bitterroot this spring, but it is enough water to change fishing conditions. We will continue to see water conditions fluctuate as we get closer to the end of the month. Still, plenty of good fishing to be had. Skwalas still the main course on the Bitterroot. You may not see tons of skwalas on the river, but don’t be deterred– they’re still eating them and will for a while. There’s been plenty of pressure on the water out there, so you’ll want flies that sit low in the water with a skinnier body: GH’s Supa Dupa Stone, Plan B, Clark Fork Stone, Cadillac Skwala and Bullet Head Skwala’s. Fish tight to cover as those bugs will get up on the wood and bushes to shed their skin and fly. March Browns and BWOs out in plenty in the afternoon. Make sure to be ready in the afternoon’s for both: Brindle Chutes, Purple Roosters, and Carange Drakes. If fish aren’t coming up, fishing a Rubberlegs, TJ Hooker, Jig PT, Olive/Brown Perdigon or San Juan off your Skwala would be a good way to search for fish. Streamer fishing is a good opportunity in the mornings, especially before anything is hatching. Stick with smaller streamers like Lil’ Kim’s, Jig Yummy’s, Chicago Overcoats, Wooly Buggers and Baby Gonga’s.
Looking Forward
Flows on the Bitterroot should continue to drop this weekend with lower nighttime tempuratures. However, keep an eye on the guages as the flows will continue to fluctuate as we get consistently warmer nighttime temperatures. Keep that on your radar as you look into the next week.
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 Friday’s 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 RIVER Temperature
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.
