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
July 11, 2025
CURRENT CONDITIONS
Hoot owl restrictions (fishing prohibited 2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the upper Bitterroot River - from the confluence of the East and West Forks to Veterans Bridge at Hamilton starting July 11.
Dry-dropper fishing is the best way to prospect throughout the Bitterroot right now. We like the Chubby Chernobyl, Water Walker and Fools Golds when hanging a nymph underneath. For the dry fly enthusiasts, focus on a low-profile goldenstone like a Plan B, Stimulator or Sweet Dream.
Goldenstones not the only dry-fly game happening now, however. Plenty of PMDs and Yellow Sallies on the Bitteroot right now. For PMDs, we like the Purple Haze, Brindlechute and cripple patterns like the Ms. Tickle and Flash Cripple. Not to be slept on is the Yellow Sally hatch on the Bitterroot. We like small yellow or purple Stimulators, Laramers Yellow Sally, Parachute Sally and the Butch Sally. Fish these on their own or behind a larger dry fly!
Subsurface, reach for a TJ Hooker, Twenty-Incher, AB Sally, Pheasant Tail, Jig Yellow Spot, Jig Splitcase PMD, or Jig Baby Sally. Stonefly nymphs early in the day, changing nymphs to be more "hatch specific" in the aftternoon (think PMD, Yellow Sally and Caddis nymphs.) Some big fish showing themselves early and late sipping spent/emerging PMDs or caddis.
Streamer fishing is a great way to find fish in between hatches right now. Sparkle Minnows, Kreelex Minnows and Overcoats have produced fish stripped or swung.
Looking Forward
Consistent hatches of PMDs, Goldens and Yellow Sallies on the Bitterroot right now. Great dry fly opportunities presenting themselves when the condtions are right. On the horizon are terrestrials like ants, hoppers and beetles.
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
VIEW ALL
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.
