Photo Courtesy Big Sky Fishing

When the angler daydreams of a classic trout river, this is what they picture, braided river channels, huge undercut banks, a variety of insect hatches, and willing top water trout. The Bitterroot offers all these things on a river big enough for floating, yet not overwhelming to the accomplished wade fisherman. The splendor and diversity of this Rocky Mountain trout paradise allows anglers to experience world class dry fly fishing almost all year long.

• Skwalas (March-April): This is the first big bug hatch of the year. The fish are coming off the winter fast and are looking for meat.
• Salmon Flies, Goldens andGreen Drakes (June-July): The fish have been treading the heavy water and dirt of runoff, and are on the feed. A size 4 gaint stone or a monster mayfly is too much to resist.
• Hoppers (August-September): No fish can resist a size 6 hopper slapped down tight to the bank.
• Mahoganies and Beatis (September-October): One of the finest times to be on this water. Classic riffle, run, pool provides anglers with so many rising beaks that you either come home tastefully frustrated or a complete hero.

Bitterroot River Near Missoula
Bitterroot River Near Victor
Bitterroot River Near Darby

Bitterroot River Near Darby
Bitterroot River near Florence
Bitterroot River Near Missoula
West Fork Bitterroot River Near Conner MT
East Fork Bitterroot River Near Conner MT