Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Bitterroot River - Conner - Montana

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Afternoon #18-20 Zebra Midge, Griffith's Gnats
Winter Stoneflies Late Afternoon #14-16 Black and Peacock Spider, Black Stonefly Nymph
February Midges Afternoon #18-20 Thread Midge, Zebra Midge
Winter Stoneflies Late Afternoon #14-16 Black and Peacock Spider, Black Stonefly Nymph
Blue-Winged Olive Midday #18-20 BWO Parachute, BWO Emerger
March Midges Afternoon #18-20 Thread Midge, Zebra Midge
Snowflake Caddis Evening #14-16 X-Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis
Skwala Stoneflies All Day #8-12 Skwala Adult, Skwala Nymph
April Snowflake Caddis Evening #14-16 X-Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis
Skwala Stoneflies All Day #8-12 Skwala Adult, Skwala Nymph
March Brown Mayflies Afternoon #12-14 March Brown Emerger, March Brown Dun
Blue-Winged Olive Midday #18-20 BWO Parachute, BWO Emerger
May March Brown Mayflies Afternoon #12-14 March Brown Emerger, March Brown Dun
Giant Salmonflies All Day #4-6 Rogue Foam Salmon Fly, Stimulator Orange
Golden Stoneflies All Day #6-8 Stimulator Yellow, Golden Stonefly Nymph
Caddisflies Evening #14-16 Elk Hair Caddis,Tan X-Caddis
June Giant Salmonflies All Day #4-6 Rogue Foam Salmon Fly, Stimulator Orange
Golden Stoneflies All Day #6-8 Stimulator Yellow, Golden Stonefly Nymph
Caddisflies Evening #14-16 Elk Hair Caddis,Tan X-Caddis
PMD Mayflies Afternoon #14-16 PMD Parachute, PMD Emerger
July PMD Mayflies Afternoon #14-16 PMD Parachute, PMD Emerger
Terrestrials All Day #10-12 Hopper Pattern, Ant Pattern
Caddisflies Evening #14-16 Elk Hair Caddis,Tan X-Caddis
August Terrestrials All Day #10-12 Hopper Pattern, Ant Pattern
Tricos Morning #22-24 Trico Spinner, Trico Dun
Caddisflies Evening #14-16 Elk Hair Caddis,Tan X-Caddis
September Terrestrials All Day #10-12 Hopper Pattern, Ant Pattern
Tricos Morning #22-24 Trico Spinner, Trico Dun
Mahogany Dun Mayflies Afternoon #14-16 Mahogany Dun Parachute, Mahogany Emerger
October Blue-Winged Olive Midday #18-20 BWO Parachute, BWO Emerger
Mahogany Dun Mayflies Afternoon #14-16 Mahogany Dun Parachute, Mahogany Emerger
November Blue-Winged Olive Midday #18-20 BWO Parachute, BWO Emerger
Midges Late Afternoon #20-22 Thread Midge, Zebra Midge
December Midges Late Afternoon #20-22 Thread Midge, Zebra Midge
Winter Stoneflies Midday #14-16 Black and Peacock Spider, Black Stonefly Nymph

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

Located in the heart of Montana, the Bitterroot River in Conner offers several hot spots for avid fly fishers, known for its abundant trout population.

  • Hannon Memorial: This spot provides a deep pool made by the bend of the river, providing the perfect habitat for different trout species.
  • Sleeping Child Creek: A well-known tributary for Bitterroot, it’s a hotspot for rainbow and cutthroat trout, especially during the spring run-off.
  • Tucker Crossing: Known for its productive riffles and deep pools, it’s a great spot for brown and rainbow trout.
  • East Fork Bitterroot River: Fed by melting snowcaps, the river’s lower temperatures and clear waters make it the perfect spot for catching sizable cutthroat trout.
  • West Fork Bitterroot River: A fly fishers’ gem with numerous public access points and a steady stream flow most part of the year. The river hosts an array of fish species.

Best Access Points

The Bitterroot River in Conner offers several excellent fly fishing access points with abundant trout populations. Here are some of the top spots:
  • Victor Crossing: Just off Highway 93, this access point is located downstream with excellent fly fishing potential.
  • Bell Crossing: A little further south off Highway 93, this area provides a larger river stretch for fishing.
  • Woodside Crossing: Positioned about midway between Hamilton and Corvallis, it provides great trout fishing opportunities.
  • Tucker Crossing: This is a less crowded yet productive fishing spot located south of Hamilton town.
  • Angler’s Roost: Great spot for finding larger trout, situated just north of Hamilton.
Remember, each spot requires different strategies and bait. Weather conditions often influence fish activity, so keep an eye on weather forecasts.

Local Fish

  • Rainbow Trout: One of the most common species targeted by fly fishermen on the Bitterroot River. These fish are usually found in the fastest parts of the river.
  • Brook Trout: Known for their beautiful colors and voracious appetite, these are a favorite among fly fishermen.
  • West Slope Cutthroat Trout: Native to the Bitterroot river and beloved for their aggressive surface feeding, making them a prime target for dry fly fishing.
  • Brown Trout: These fish are often elusive and wise to a fisherman’s tricks, providing a welcome challenge on the Bitterroot River.
  • Mountain Whitefish: Although not a prized catch for some, they can be a spectacular fight on a fly rod.
  • Bull Trout: While fishing for Bull Trout is currently restricted, these top-predator fish are revered by locals for their size and power.
  • Northern Pike: As an invasive species, it’s actually encouraged to fish for these. They offer an exciting target for fly fishers with their aggressive nature.
  • Smallmouth Bass: Not native to the river system, but provide a varied and exciting fly fishing experience, especially in the lower Bitterroot River.

About The River

In the beautiful heart of Montana flows the Bitterroot River, a primary tributary of the Clark Fork River. Beginning near the quaint town of Conner, it’s rich in both natural beauty and historical significance.

  • Long before the first settlers arrived, the Salish Native American tribe revered this river, dubbing it “Place of the Bitterroot”, after the distinctive plant that bore a bitter-tasting root, a crucial source of food for early people.
  • The river later played a major role in 19th-century exploration and settlement. Famed explorers Lewis and Clark navigated part of the river during their Corps of Discovery Expedition in 1805.
  • By the late 1800s, Conner, a bustling logging and trading hub, was established on its banks.
  • Today, the Bitterroot River is a hot spot for outdoorsmen, boasting excellent trout fishing and whitewater rafting opportunities.

The Bitterroot River is engrained in the cultural landscape of Montana; a significant symbol of the state’s rich history and bountiful natural splendor.

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