Bitterroot River - Missoula - Montana
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Bitterroot River – Missoula - Water Flow Chart
Bitterroot River – Missoula - Weather report & radar
Bitterroot River – Missoula - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midge | Mid-Late Afternoon | 16-22 | Griffith’s Gnat |
| February | Midge | Mid-Late Afternoon | 16-22 | Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue Wing Olive | Late Afternoon | 16-20 | Blue Wing Olive Sparkle Dun | |
| March | Skwala Stoneflies | Afternoon | 8-12 | Skwala dry fly |
| Blue Wing Olive | Afternoon | 16-20 | Blue Wing Olive Sparkle Dun | |
| Midge | Mornings/Afternoons | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat | |
| April | March Brown Mayfly | Afternoon | 12-14 | March Brown fly pattern |
| Blue Wing Olive | Afternoons | 16-20 | Blue Wing Olive Sparkle Dun | |
| Mother’s Day Caddis | Afternoon-Evening | 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| May | Salmon Fly | Midday-Evening | 6-8 | Pat’s Rubber Legs |
| Green Drake | Midday | 10-12 | Green Drake Cripple | |
| Golden Stonefly | Afternoon-Evening | 8-12 | Golden Stonefly Nymph | |
| Mother’s Day Caddis | Afternoon-Evening | 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| June | Golden Stonefly | Afternoon-Evening | 8-12 | Golden Stonefly Nymph |
| Yellow Sally | Late Morning | 14-16 | Yellow Sally Stimulator | |
| Western Green Drakes | Afternoon-Late Evening | 10-12 | Green Drake Cripple | |
| PMD (Pale Morning Dun) | Morning | 14-18 | Pale Morning Dun Emerger | |
| July | Terrestrials (Hoppers, Ants, Beetles) | All Day | 10-14 | Chernobyl Hopper, Foam Beetle |
| Western Green Drakes | Afternoon-Late Evening | 10-12 | Green Drake Cripple | |
| PMD (Pale Morning Dun) | Morning | 14-18 | Pale Morning Dun Emerger | |
| August | Terrestrials (Hoppers, Ants, Beetles) | All Day | 10-14 | Chernobyl Hopper, Foam Beetle |
| Spruce Moth | Morning | 10-12 | Spruce Moth pattern | |
| September | Terrestrials (Hoppers, Ants, Beetles) | All Day | 10-14 | Chernobyl Hopper, Foam Beetle |
| Fall Baetis (Blue Wing Olive) | Afternoon’s | 18-22 | Blue Wing Olive Sparkle Dun | |
| October | Streamers | Early Morning/Late Evening | 4-8 | Black Bunny Leech |
| October Caddis | Afternoon-Evening | 8-10 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| November | Streamers | Early Morning/Late Evening | 4-8 | Black Bunny Leech |
| Midges | Mid-Late Afternoon | 16-22 | Griffith’s Gnat | |
| December | Midges | Mid-Late Afternoon | 16-22 | Griffith’s Gnat |
Bitterroot River – Missoula Access Points
The Bitterroot River is a renowned fishing spot, particularly known for its excellent fly fishing prospects. Here are some of the most accessible points for fly fishing on this enchanting river surrounding Missoula:
- Hamilton: Situated upstream, it’s buzzing with Mountain Whitefish and Brown Trout.
- Confluence Bitterroot and Clark Fork: This spot teems with Rainbow Trout and presents fine fishing opportunities.
- Victor Crossing Footbridge: A great access point for wading, it offers encounter with Cutthroat Trout.
- Woodside Bridge: Found in the Lower Bitterroot, a choice spot for larger Rainbow Trout.
- Stevensville Bridge: Perfect for those seeking a quiet have significant broods of whitefish.
- Bell Crossing: Ideal for beginners, access is easy and the fish population is abundant.
- Scenic Burnt Fork: Filled with wild brown trout, offers a tranquil setting.
These shady, cool stretches of water provide some of the best fly fishing experiences around Missoula.
Bitterroot River – Missoula Fishing Spots
The Bitterroot River in Missoula, Montana, is renowned for its premier fly fishing experience. Here are the best spots:
- Hamilton to Maclay Bridge: This lower section of the river offers the most consistent fishing due to the water temperature. It hosts a variety of fish species.
- Bell Crossing: Bell Crossing features a great access point for launching a boat. It’s an excellent place to fish for Rainbow and Brown Trout.
- Stevensville Crossing: This spot is known for its remarkable hatches, attracting large trout.
- Conner Cut-off Road: The upper section of the river from Conner to Darby is ideal for wade fishing.
- West Fork Bitterroot River: The West Fork is home to a healthy population of native Cutthroat trout.
Bitterroot River – Missoula Local Fish Species
- Westslope Cutthroat Trout: This species is native to the Bitterroot River and is renowned for being challenging to catch due to their cautious nature.
- Mountain Whitefish: This common fish species is present year-round in the Bitterroot River, making it a consistent target for fly fishing.
- Brown Trout: These are the most popular fish to catch on the Bitterroot, known for their impressive sizes and aggressive nature.
- Rainbow Trout: Located in the lower sections of the river, Rainbow Trout are known for their colorful appearance and athletic fight.
- Bull Trout: A threatened species that is strictly catch-and-release, these fish are a spectacular sight for any angler lucky enough to catch one.
- Brook Trout: These fish are smaller compared to other species, but their vibrant colors and prevalence make them a popular choice among fly fishers.
- Northern Pike: While not as common as the other species, Northern Pike are prized game fish that are known for their aggressive behavior and strength.
- Bitterroot Whitefish: Named after the river itself, these fish are a treasured catch for anyone fly fishing in the Bitterroot River due to their unique status.
About the Bitterroot River – Missoula
Flowing through the heart of Montana, the Bitterroot River is a hidden gem of natural beauty with a rich history. Originating in the Bitterroot Mountains, it merges with the Clark Fork River right here in Missoula, decorating the landscape while serving as a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
The river gets its name from the Bitterroot Plant, a beloved symbol of resilience for Montana’s Native Americans. The Salish tribe, who inhabited this area for generations, often utilized this plant as a food source.
In the 19th century, the valley surrounding the river was explored by the famous Lewis and Clark expedition. Today, the river continues to be a vital part of Missoula’s ecosystem, providing a habitat for numerous fish and wildlife species. Here are some highlights:
- A popular location for fishing, particularly for Trout.
- Offers thrilling whitewater rafting opportunities.
- Provides habitats for eagles, ospreysh, and other wildlife.
The Bitterroot River – representing Montana’s beauty, history, and untamed spirit.
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