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 14, 2026
CURRENT CONDITIONS
Flows are dropping on the Bitterroot and fishing is getting better as it drops. It should drop the rest of the week with some cold weather coming in. Sub-surface will still be the #1 way to get into fish at this point, but there are still bugs hatching. Skwala's are still around and the BWO/March Brown hatches should really get going with the clouds around the rest of the week.
Flies to have right now would be Caddilac Skwala's, Water Walkers Skwalas, Clarkfork Stones and Rogue Stones. BWO's you'll want sz 18 Flash Cripples, Thorax and extended bodies. Make sure to have sz 14-16 March Brown's like Brindlechutes, Carnage Drakes and Flash Cripples.
Sub-surface flies to have Rubberlegs, Front St. Stones, Double Bead Stones, San Juans, Jig PT's, Jig Princes, Spanish Bullets and Blow Torches. Don't forget about streamers in the clouds this week. No need to go to big and mix up your strip to see what the fish like. Kreelex, Lil Kims, Sparkle Minnows, Mini-Dungeons, Goldies, Rusty Trombones and Mason's Juniors.
Looking Forward
The Bitterroot will continue to drop this week and into the weekend. Look for dry fly action to get better.
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.
