March & April · Bitterroot River
Bitterroot Skwala Hatch Guided Trips
The first big dry-fly fishing of the year, on Montana’s best spring river.
Why anglers plan all winter for skwala season
After a long Montana winter, big trout look up for the first time all year. On the Bitterroot, they look up for skwalas.
Skwala stoneflies crawl out along the banks in March and April and lay eggs on the water in the afternoon. Trout that have spent the winter eating tiny nymphs suddenly rise to a size 8 dry fly. It’s some of the most exciting fishing in Montana, and it happens before the summer crowds arrive.
How Tom fishes the skwala
Tom times floats around water temperature and afternoon warmth, rowing tight to banks, logjams and soft seams where big browns and cutthroat wait for bugs. When fish aren’t on top, a skwala nymph under the dry keeps the rod bent.
What to expect
- Cold mornings, warmer afternoons, and the best fishing from late morning on
- Big dry flies that beginners can see
- Brown trout, rainbows and westslope cutthroat
- A hot riverside lunch on full days
Book early
Spring weekdays fill fast with anglers who’ve fished it before. Pick your dates now and Tom will move the plan around the weather.
Questions
Skwala hatch FAQ
What is a skwala?
Skwalas are dark olive stoneflies, about an inch long, that hatch on the Bitterroot and Clark Fork in early spring. Trout eat them on the surface, so it’s the first real dry-fly fishing of the year.
When is the best time for skwalas on the Bitterroot?
Most years, mid-March through April. The best fishing is usually on warmer, overcast afternoons once the water warms a few degrees.
How cold is it in March?
Mornings can be near freezing and afternoons in the 40s and 50s. Dress in warm layers, a waterproof jacket, a hat and gloves. Full days include a hot lunch grilled riverside.
Is skwala season crowded?
Weekends can be busy, but weekdays are often quiet. Tom knows the floats and timing to give you water to yourself.
Spring dates go first.
Lock in your skwala days now. Tom adjusts the plan around the weather.