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
June 5, 2025
CURRENT CONDITIONS
The Bitterroot has dropped and cleared up significantly in the last few days. While still high, anglers or passerbys will notice that clarity has improved substantially. Caddis in the evenings, with a handful of PMDs and Yellow Sallies hatching intermittently. We will see that fishing improve as conditions stabilize. While it's mostly a nymph game on the Bitterroot right now, a basic dry dropper rig will see action both subsurface and on top. Try a Chubby Chernobyl, Water Walker or Plan B for your top fly. Subsurface, reach for a TJ Hooker, San Juan Worm, Jig Yellow Spot, Prince Nymph or Jig Hot Tag PT.
Not much for salmonfly action downstream of Hamilton, but venture upstream and you'll start to see some big bugs! The upper Bitterooot above Darby and the West Fork will start to fish well with salmonflies. Our favorites are Cat Pukes, Rogue Stones and Rolling Stones.
Streamer fishing is a great way to find fish inbetween hatches right now. Sparkle Minnows, Dungeons and Bangtails.
Looking Forward
Keep an eye out for Golden Stones and more consistent hatches of PMDs and Yellow Sallies. Great dry fly fishing still to come on our beloved Bitterroot River!
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.
