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
March 12, 2025
CURRENT CONDITIONS
The Bitterroot is ice and free and fishable in all stretches. It was really busy this weekend with people taking advantage of the nice weather. That made for some tougher fishing with all the boats out. Choose your stretch wisely as too many people in a stretch can make for some tough fishing. The Skwala thing hasn’t started yet. Still a few weeks away. That doesn’t mean that you couldn’t get a few fish to come up and eat a dry. You could run a Skwala with a dropper and get lucky, but you’re going to mainly fishing nymphs until the water warms up a bit. Stonefly nymphs, San Juans, Jig Princes and Mop Flies will be your go to’s for now. Streamer fishing is an option, but slow your retrieves and get your flies down ticking the bottom. Jig streamers are great for this as they won’t get caught up on the bottom as much in the rocks. Chicago Overcoats, Jig Yummy’s, Jig Zirdles and Jaw Breakers.
7-DAY OUTLOOK
With rain and and rain/snow mix in the forecast, it'll be a little while until we start seeing the first big bugs of the year. Stick to nymphing or streamer fishing for the best success.
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
VIEW ALL
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.
