You’ll never forget fishing the Bitterroot River.
The Bitterroot is well known as one of the premier fly fishing rivers in Montana.
There’s miles of world class dry fly fishing as the Bitterroot River flows through the scenic Bitterroot Valley.
This article provides useful information and a great collection of resources for fishing the Bitterroot River.
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Fishing the Bitterroot River
Fishing the Bitterroot River is like winning the Montana fly fishing jackpot
Here’s our collection of articles and information to help you catch fish.
Fishing Licenses
We explain what’s required, and the costs for residents and non-residents.
Fly Fishing Gear
Start here if you need help with the fly fishing gear needed for the Bitterroot.
Catch Big, Beautiful Trout Fishing the Bitterroot River
Native Westslope Cutthroats, Rainbows, Browns, Brookies, and Bull Trout all call the Bitterroot River home.
You’ll likely catch more cutthroats than anything else, but rainbows and browns are both common.
Average fish size varies from 10” – 20”, with most fish in the 12” – 16” range.
But, there are many bigger fish in the Bitterroot River, which keeps fishermen coming back again and again.
Cutthroat Trout / Bitterroot Info
During the epic Skwala stonefly hatch in March and April, fish over 20” are not uncommon.
The Salmonfly hatch on the Bitterroot River is also well known for producing lots of good sized fish.
Fish populations are carefully managed by Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, and regulations change each year.
Be sure to review the current fishing regulations before you start casting.
And please remember to safely catch and release whenever possible so we can maintain a healthy population of fish in the Bitterroot River.
Lots of Bugs and Hatches
There is rarely a time when one kind of aquatic insect or another isn’t hatching on the Bitterroot River.
This is what provides for all the dry fly action.
The Bitterroot River is somewhat famous for its annual Skwala stonefly hatch beginning in late March.
It’s usually the first good fishing of the year in western Montana and it attracts a crowd.
Bitterroot River Salmonfly / Bitterroot Info
Although the weather can be a little on the cold side, fishermen just keep fishing during this epic event.
The Salmonfly hatch begins later in the season, usually late June, and also draws a lot of fishermen.
The green and brown drake hatches are awesome, and the crazy golden stone hatches are our favorite.
Midges hatch just about all year long, and caddis, mayfly and stonefly’s combine for constant hatching from March all the way through October.
Great Access to the River
It doesn’t matter how great the fishing is if it’s impossible to access a river.
But this is where fishing the Bitterroot River shines.
There are established fishing access sites up and down the Bitterroot Valley and access is easy.
Fishing access on the west fork of the Bitterroot River / Bitterroot Info
Additionally, Montana’s stream access laws are great for fishermen.
They state that once you legally access a river, you may fish upstream or downstream within its high water marks.
Plentiful access points and friendly stream access laws make for great fishing access to the Bitterroot River.
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You Won’t Run Out of Rivers to Fish
In addition to fishing the Bitterroot River, there are plenty of other rivers to fish in the area.
The East and West Forks of the Bitterroot River provide dozens more miles of excellent fly fishing.
These smaller tributaries aren’t fished quite as much as the main stem of the Bitterroot River, which can get busy during the summer months.
West Fork of the Bitterroot River / Bitterroot Info
These are excellent rivers to learn to fly fish. Fish are abundant, and moving around the river is somewhat easier than on the main stem at times.
And if over 100 miles of the Bitterroot River and its tributaries isn’t quite enough for you, there are 4 more world class fly fishing rivers within an hour or two of the Bitterroot Valley.
The Big Hole River, the Clark Fork River, the Blackfoot River, and Rock Creek are all just a short drive away.
The Bitterroot River is in the middle of fly fishing paradise.
Lodging Options When Fishing the Bitterroot River
If your Bitterroot River fishing trip includes staying right on the Bitterroot River, you’re in luck.
There a quite a few riverfront vacation rentals in the Bitterroot Valley, and here’s some of our favorites.
View of the east fork of the Bitterroot River / Bitterroot Info
Our Montana cabin rental article provides a few more vacation rentals that would work great for fishing groups.
And if you’re bringing your dog along, our pet friendly vacation rentals article is for you.
See all our Bitterroot Valley Lodging articles.
That’s a Good Question
Late March and April are great for early season stonefly fishing.
Mid to late June and July are great for summer dry fly fishing.
Late September and early October are great for fall fishing.
While Montana fishing regulations do allow keeping certain sizes and species of fish caught on the Bitterroot River, catch and release is strongly encouraged to maintain healthy fish populations.
Residents pay $31 for a season fishing license.
Non-residents pay $31.50 for a single day license. Extra days are $14, and a season license is $117.50.
Youth, senior, military, Native and disabled rates are also available.
Additional Resources
Current Montana Fishing Regulations can be found here.
Montana Fishing licenses can be purchased here.
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