There’s several good reports to choose from
A current fishing report can make a big difference when fishing the Bitterroot River.
Heading to the river knowing what’s been working is the best way to catch some fish.
Fishing reports come straight from the river, from local guides who are fishing all the time.
They’re the best source for good information, and we appreciate them sharing it with us.
Here’s a collection of our favorite fishing reports for the Bitterroot River.
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Here’s Our Favorite Bitterroot River Fishing Reports
BLACKFOOT RIVER OUTFITTERS FISHING REPORT
FREESTONE FLY SHOP FISHING REPORT
THE MISSOULIAN ANGLER FISHING REPORT
GRIZZLY HACKLE – BITTERROOT RIVER FISHING REPORT
Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop periodically updates their Bitterroot River fishing report from their fly shop in downtown Missoula.
BLACKFOOT RIVER OUTFITTERS – BITTERROOT RIVER FISHING REPORT
Blackfoot River Outfitters periodically updates their Bitterroot River fishing report from their fly shop in Missoula.
ORVIS – BITTERROOT RIVER FISHING REPORTS
ORVIS provides regularly updated fly fishing reports for the Bitterroot River, the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, and the East Fork of the Bitterroot River.
THE KINGFISHER – BITTERROOT RIVER FISHING REPORT
The Kingfisher periodically updates their Bitterroot River fishing report from their fly shop in Missoula.
FREESTONE FLY SHOP – BITTERROOT RIVER FISHING REPORT
Freestone Fly Shop periodically updates their Bitterroot River fishing report from their Bitterroot Valley location in Hamilton.
THE MISSOULIAN ANGLER – BITTERROOT RIVER FISHING REPORT
The Missoulian Angler periodically updates their Bitterroot River fishing report from the oldest fly shop in Missoula.
What to Look For in a Bitterroot River Fishing Report
First off, fishing reports should be dated, so everyone knows when they were last updated.
Fishing reports should also provide an overview of what to consider when heading to the river, including:
✓ Current fishing conditions, and how fishing has been lately.
✓ Information about river flows and water temperature.
✓ Recent changes due to weather, or the river fluctuating from releases from Painted Rocks dam in the west fork.
✓ Information about log jams, sweepers, and blockages jamming up the river. These require careful scouting and extreme caution. The Bitterroot River has several sweepers, and fatal log jams, more years than not.
It’s a Finger Hatch / Bitterroot Info
✓ Whether or not portage, or boat dragging, is required on various sections of the river.
✓ Practical tips, like the best times for fishing. Early afternoon and evening is often the best, but in late summer when the water drops, you will need to get out there early.
✓ Recommendations for fly fishing rods and gear. The best fly fishing rod may differ when fishing dry flies and nymphs versus streamer fishing.
✓ Information on current hatches and recommendations for the right bugs including dry flies, nymphs and streamers. Choosing the correct Skwala stoneflies and other stonefly nymphs are one of the secrets to catching big trout on the Bitterroot River.
With a healthy mix of technical details and local expertise, a good fishing report is an essential tool for anyone fishing the rivers of Western Montana.
Fishing Reports for Neighboring Rivers
The Bitterroot Valley is lucky to be surrounded by several incredible rivers.
The Big Hole, Clark Fork, Blackfoot and Rock Creek are some of the best fly fishing rivers in Montana.
Here’s some links to fishing reports for our neighboring rivers.
BIG HOLE RIVER FISHING REPORTS
Sunrise Fly Shop – Big Hole River Fishing Report
ORVIS – Fly Fishing Report for the Big Hole River
Montana Troutfitters – Big Hole River Fishing Report
CLARK FORK RIVER FISHING REPORTS
Grizzly Hackle – Clark Fork River Fishing Report
The Kingfisher – Clark Fork River Fishing Report
Blackfoot River Outfitters – Clark Fork River Fishing Report
BLACKFOOT RIVER FISHING REPORTS
Blackfoot River Outfitters – Blackfoot River Fishing Report
Grizzly Hackle – Blackfoot River Fishing Report
The Kingfisher – Blackfoot River Fishing Report
ROCK CREEK FISHING REPORTS
The Kingfisher – Rock Creek Fishing Report
Blackfoot River Outfitters – Rock Creek Fishing Report
Grizzly Hackle – Rock Creek Fishing Report
Additional Resources
Current Montana Fishing Regulations can be found here.
Montana Fishing license information can be found here.