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 19, 2026
CURRENT CONDITIONS
Hoot owl restrictions (prohibits angling between 2 PM to midnight) are in effect for the Bitterroot River in its entirety, from the confluence of the East and West forks to the confluence with the Clark Fork River starting July 22.
The Bitterroot has fished well, but it's starting to get low and slow. Get out early for best fishing. The mayfly was the main focus last week: tons of PMDs in the morning and afternoon on the Bitterroot. Nocturnal stoneflies becoming more consistent first thing in the morning. Goldenstones (AKA "Bitterroot stones,") yellow sallies, and caddis have made for excellent dry fly opportunities, as well. Starting to fish the hopper more consistently, too. This will only improve towards the end of the month.
Most anglers fishing dry-dropper, while keeping their eyes peeled for more bugs/consistently rising trout. Chubby Chernobyls, Water Walkers, Dancin Rickys and Henneberry Hoppers work well for the dry-dropper fishing. They're easy to spot and float high. Go for a size #10-14 up-top for these stonefly dries. Try a Pat's, TJ Hooker, Frenchie, Phase 2, Jig PTn Jig Napoleon or Jig Thrasher subsurface. They will key in on the small mayfly/caddis nymphs as the day goes on and the hatch thickens. Start the day 3-5' subsurface and consider shortening your dropper as the day goes on as those bugs emerge. The fish will be congregated in the riffles and along structure looking for these bugs.
Stimulators, Sweet Dreams, Plan Bs and small Water Walkers checking the box for those small stoneflies and/or hoppers. Hot-spot Brindles, Purple Para. Roosters, and Purple Hazes catching fish in various sizes for mayflies. For the technical angler, we have the best selection of cripples, duns and spinners in town! Those big dry-fly sippers don't come easy... come in and get the goods!
The streamer fishing often comes second to the amazing dry-fly fishing this time of year. Don't forget about it! The best streamer fishing will be early in the morning. Stripping and/or swinging streamers between hatches has been productive. White, yellow and olive have had the best reports. Sparkle minnows, Sir-Sticks-A-Lots, and the new "Good Idea" catching fish.
Looking Forward
The forecast for the forseeable future is pretty warm. Getting out early will be in your best interest to have better fishing. We should have great terrestrial fishing on the Bitterroot before the end of the month!
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 Flows & Conditions
Know before you go! Understand current Bitterroot River flows and conditions before hitting the water.
Bitterroot River Flows @ Missoula, MT
Bitterroot River Flows @ Bell Crossing Near Victor, MT
Bitterroot River Flows @ Darby, MT
West Fork Bitterroot River Flows @ Connor, MT
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.
