Signature water · Lolo to Hamilton
Bitterroot River Fly Fishing Guide
Montana’s best dry-fly river and a real chance at a big brown trout, 20 minutes from Missoula.
Why the Bitterroot is our signature water
The Bitterroot has the most to offer of any river we fish: a real chance at a big brown trout and some of the best dry-fly fishing in the state.
The Bitterroot flows north through the valley between the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountains and joins the Clark Fork just west of Missoula. It’s a braided, ever-changing freestone river full of logjams, side channels and undercut banks, the kind of water where reading the river and rowing a drift boat well make all the difference. That’s where Tom shines.
Bitterroot hatches by season
- March and April: the famous skwala stonefly hatch, the first big dry-fly fishing of the year. Read our Bitterroot skwala hatch guide.
- April and May: March browns, blue-winged olives and the Mother’s Day caddis before runoff.
- June and July: green drakes, golden stones and PMDs as the river drops and clears.
- August and September: hopper-dropper days and terrestrials tight to the banks.
- October: October caddis and streamers for big pre-spawn browns. See fall brown trout trips.
Where we float
Tom fishes floats from Lolo and Florence up through Stevensville, Victor and Hamilton, choosing the stretch with the best hatch, clarity and the fewest boats that week. The lower river is close to town and great for half days. The middle and upper river are best for full days.
Who it’s for
Everyone. Beginners catch fish on big, visible dry flies, and experienced anglers hunt the river’s big browns. Clients like Renae Ackerman bring their whole family and friends to their Bitterroot vacation home every year to fish with Tom.
On the Bitterroot River
From the boat
“I have caught more trout with Tom than any other guide. He’s amazing! Tom guides not only me and my husband, but our whole family and all of our fishy friends who join us at our Bitterroot vacation home. I have never had a bad day on the river with Tom.”
“I have fished with Tom on the Bitterroot, the Blackfoot, and the Clark Fork for over 10 years. Tom always made the day fun and very productive. I call Tom every time I go to Montana, and I’ve even fished with him in Mexico.”
Questions
Fishing the Bitterroot River: FAQ
When is the best time to fish the Bitterroot River?
March and April for the skwala hatch, and July through October for summer dry flies, hoppers and fall browns. Late May and June bring runoff, so Tom watches flows closely that time of year.
How far is the Bitterroot from Missoula?
The lower Bitterroot near Lolo and Florence is 20 to 30 minutes south of Missoula. Stevensville and Hamilton are 40 minutes to an hour.
What fish live in the Bitterroot?
Brown trout, rainbow trout and westslope cutthroat, plus mountain whitefish. Bull trout are protected and released immediately.
Is the Bitterroot good for beginners?
Yes. Big dry flies, lots of fish and a guide who rows you into the right spots make it one of the best rivers in Montana for a first trip.
More water
The other rivers we fish
The Blackfoot
Cutthroat and rainbows in the canyon country made famous by A River Runs Through It. Big stoneflies and hoppers.
Fish this river
The Clark Fork
The hardest-fighting rainbows in the area, big summer dry-fly days, and pike on the fly when the mood strikes.
Fish this river
The Missouri
A fish factory below Holter Dam. Consistent flows, thick bug life, and dialed-in dry-fly and nymph fishing almost all year.
Fish this river