Bitterroot River

Just west of the Bitterroot lies the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states, covering 2.15 million acres.  The Bitterroot river and its 80 miles of fine fishable river lies at the town of Conner and flows all the way to Missoula before draining into the Clark Fork.  Anglers on all stretches fish for rainbow, browns cutthroats, brookies, & dolly varden, while in the lower area of the river casting to largemouth bass and northern pike is common.

Named after the Montana state flower, the Bitterroot is a gem of a river.  Easy to wade and blessed with a variety of insects such as, Caddis, Mayflies, & Stoneflies.  The much anticipated hatch of Salmon flies usually starts around the first week in June and last a couple of weeks, ending near the town of Stevensville.  Early spring sees a hatch of Olive Stoneflies and fishing large nymphs or streamers proves effective.

Several famous patterns today have been perfected on the Bitterroot.  The Madam X and the Ugly Rudamus got there first start here.  These patterns have proven there worth throughout the western states.

The summer caddis hatch is important to anglers and using an Olive Elk Hair Caddis or Colorado King is productive.  Attractor patterns like the Royal Wulff are popular on the river as well.

Fall fishing brings about a hatch of October Caddis and also a Trico hatch.  Orange Stimulators are a good imitation for the Caddis hatch.  Brown Drake Mayflies also hatch this time of year and the trout are feeding aggressively on them.  Big imitations in size 10-12 work well.

For the current stream flow and water temperature of the Bitterroot click here.

If you would like to purchase a detailed map of the Bitterroot, click here.

Here are a few recommended patterns for the Bitterroot.