Updated – November 2024
If you’re heading to Montana’s Bitterroot River to do some fly fishing, congratulations.
Fly fishing the rivers of Montana is an experience you won’t forget.
If you are new to Montana fly fishing, and could use some help with what gear you’ll need, this article is for you.
We’re no experts, but we’ve been fishing Montana rivers for over 30 years, with 20 years on the Bitterroot.
We have a pretty good idea of what you’ll need when you head to the river.
Here’s some essential fly fishing gear we think is perfect for Montana’s Bitterroot River.
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Cutthroat Trout / Bitterroot Info
Rod, Reel & Line
The most common fly rod for fishing the Bitterroot River is a 9 foot long, 5 weight rod.
Virtually every fly rod manufacturer makes rods in this configuration, so there’s plenty of good choices.
We prefer 4-piece rods that break down smaller for easy storage and travel.
There are many good fly reels, and you can’t really go wrong with most current models from established brands.
If you are a beginner, consider a quality rod and reel outfit with matching components that work well together.
If you plan to purchase individual components, be sure to match the weights of the rod, reel and line.
Here’s some examples of rods, reels and line perfect for the Bitterroot River, with different budgets in mind.
SAGE FOUNDATION FLY FISHING OUTFIT
The Sage Foundation outfit is a popular high-performance package, and a perfect choice for Montana rivers and streams. Handmade on Bainbridge Island, WA
ORVIS CLEARWATER FLY ROD OUTFIT
Orvis is one of the most established brands in fly fishing, and the affordable Clearwater outfit has been a popular and reliable choice for years.
TEMPLE FORK OUTFITTERS NXT BLACK LABEL OUTFIT
We like the entry level NXT Black Label Outfit because of its attractive price and value, great warranty, and TFO’s solid reputation in the industry.
SAGE FOUNDATION FLY ROD
You’ll see a lot of Sage Rods on Montana rivers. The Foundation is a fast-action fly rod that’s well suited for the many styles of fishing on the Bitterroot.
LAMSON REMIX FLY REEL
We love Lamson reels. This mid-range large arbor Remix model features a precision machined aluminum frame and sealed drag.
RIO PRODUCTS AVID FLY LINE
This weight forward floating line from RIO Products is a good all around choice for Montana rivers, from a very popular brand.
Cutthroat Trout / Bitterroot Info
Waders, Boots & Pants
For much of the year you’ll want to wear waders while fishing the Bitterroot River.
But during the summer months, many people wear lightweight fishing pants rather than waders.
If you plan to fish in warm and cold weather, you’ll probably want waders and pants. That’s what we do.
You’re also going to need sturdy footwear to fish the Bitterroot River, especially if you will be wade fishing.
Getting around in the river without slipping or banging up your feet is really important.
Here’s some waders, boots and pants that are great options for fishing Montana’s Bitterroot River.
SIMMS TRIBUTARY WADERS
Our experience with Simms waders has been fantastic over decades of use. We don’t hesitate recommending these favorites from our friends in Bozeman.
SIMMS FREESTONE WADING BOOTS
These durable wading boots feature rubber soles with spike and cleat compatibility, and a comfortable fit. Your feet will thank you.
SIMMS SUPERLIGHT PANT
These lightweight, quick drying, pants are perfect for a summer fly fishing trip to Montana. You’ll love them on the river and off.
Brown Trout / Bitterroot Info
Pack & Accessories
A day on the river can last for many hours, and you’re often a long way from your vehicle.
A good day pack is essential to carry your fishing gear, snacks, and water.
You’ll want to fill it with a selection of common fly fishing accessories to help you catch and release fish.
Here’s a couple of our favorite packs, and some accessories that should be inside for fishing the Bitterroot River.
FISHPOND WATERDANCE PRO GUIDE PACK
We’re still using a version of this quality pack that we purchased more than 10 years ago. We’ve always loved its roomy design with so much storage.
FISHPOND CROSS CURRENT CHEST PACK
This pack is ideal if you’d rather have quick access to your flies and gear up front. It also rides a little higher to help keep it out of the water.
AVENTIC FLY FISHING NET
Having a good net often turns hooking fish into actually landing them. This Aventik carbon fiber net is lightweight and assists with catch and release.
LOON FORCEPS & NIPPERS
Forceps and nippers are required gear for fly fishing. This set of essentials from LOON also includes a great retractable zinger.
RIO PRODUCTS TIPPET AND DISPENSER
You’ll love having all your quality RIO tippet in one place, with easy access wherever you choose to clip this handy holder.
RIO PRODUCTS TAPERED LEADERS
We like 9′ long leaders for Montana fly fishing, and we keep both 3X and 5X leaders on hand. RIO tapered leaders have always served us well.
GINK FLOTANT
GINK has been keeping our flies dry for as long as we can remember. You’ll need some type of flotant, and this stuff works great.
WATER GREMLIN SPLIT-SHOT
You’ll need split-shot to get those nymphs all the way down to the bottom. This non-lead assortment from Water Gremlin is better for the river.
Mayfly on the Bitterroot River / Bitterroot Info
Flies & Fly Boxes
If you look in our fishing bags, you’ll find lots of fly boxes full of all kinds of flies.
You’ll see a box for hoppers, nymphs, streamers, bead heads, buggers, stimulators, stones, salmonflies, and more.
We built our collection by visiting local fly shops and buying flies from people who know what’s currently working, and we recommend that you do the same.
It’s a great way to learn about the sport and the river, and to support the local fly shops at the same time.
Here’s a couple of popular fly box styles you may want to have on hand to start building your collection.
KINGFISHER WATERPROOF FLY BOX
Some people prefer double-sided fly boxes that can hold twice the number of flies that a slim box can hold.
KINGFISHER WATERPROOF SLIM FLY BOXES
Some people prefer slim fly boxes so they can fit more boxes in their gear bag or pack.
Bitterroot River / Bitterroot Info
A Few More Things
There are a few more things we wouldn’t want to forget on our Montana fishing trip.
Water bottle. Fly fishing is active and you need to keep hydrated.
Polarized sunglasses. They make all the difference in the world. Carry backups.
Hat. You’ll want a hat to block the sun, improve your vision, and keep you dry when it rains.
Lip balm. Fishing is hard on your lips with lots of sun and wind. We use lip balm with sunscreen.
Bath towel. We like standing on an old bath towel when we change in and out of our waders at the truck.
Plastic storage tub. We keep our wet waders and boots in a plastic storage tub to contain water, sand and mud.
Ziplock bags. Pack it in, pack it out. We keep gallon Ziplock’s in our pack for any trash we create.
Additional Resources
Current Montana Fishing Regulations can be found here.
Montana Fishing licenses can be purchased here.