Bitterroot River Facts

Location:

The West Fork and East Fork of the Bitterroot River converge above the town of Conner, forming the Bitterroot River.  The Bitterroot then flows north for 97 miles to join the Clark Fork River.  US 93 follows the river to Missoula, offering wonderful access. 

Features:

Despite the fact that subdivisions are closing in, the Bitterroot River offers anglers a great chance to catch some nice fish.  The Bitterroot fishes well all season long, from pre-runoff to late fall.  The river offers some of the state’s best and most prolific hatches. 

From Skwala stones in March to Green Drakes in June to Spruce Moths in August to Tricos, Brown Drakes and October Caddis in the fall, the Bitterroot offers great variety.  The trout of the Bitterroot love dry flies.  It is possible to fish dries every day during the summer and fall and catch fish. 

Because of this and the rapid development of the Bitterroot Valley, the Bitterroot River gets a lot of fishing pressure.

Seasonal Strategies:

The Skwala hatch starts the year in March.  Many consider this hatch to be the best on the river.  However, it is difficult to find the hatch when it does come, but when you do the fishing is great.  During runoff streamers are the best choice. 

The arrival of the Green Drakes in June begins a summer of great fishing and myriad hatches.  The Green Drake hatch is best on wet, dark, rainy days.  Bring a raincoat.  Stimulators, hoppers and large attractors work well once the water goes down a bit in mid summer.  The Bitterroot features a Spruce Moth hatch in August that drives the fish wild. 

Fall sees emergences of Tricos, Brown Drakes, Mahogany Duns and October Caddis.  Fall is perhaps the best time to fish the Bitterroot, as the crowds have thinned and the weather cooled.  Trout in the Bitterroot River are not easily fooled, so use long, thin tippets and a stealthy approach. 

Special Regulations:

Catch and release all cutthroats.  Check the regulations for the area you intend to fish, as they change according to water conditions. 

Access and River Mileage:

The Bitterroot runs 97 miles to the Clark Fork River.  US 93 follows the river for much of this distance, allowing easy access the wade fishermen.  There are many boat launches in this area, making float trips easy and fun.

Special Cautions:

Boaters should be on the lookout for sweepers.  Wade fishermen should be careful when walking on or near the highway, as it is very busy.