The Bitterroot is historically one of Missoula's warmest running rivers and offers some of the best options for late winter fishing. Through the first of the year, and until skwalas start hatching in droves, the Bitterroot can be a way to get out of downtown Missoula and still have plenty of access to those large fish holding in winter water.

Just like the other rivers surrounding Missoula, the bitterroot has exceptional areas for both euro and traditional styles of nymphing. Smaller Double Beaded Stones in both black or olive are great flies to use this time of year. Other great nymph patterns are the Jigged Assassin and Lite Brite Perdigons in black. 

If you do find yourself out on the Bitterroot in the upcoming month, streamers are always an option. Those predatory browns are still hunting for protein in the cold, and you can usually find them holding behind logs, boulders, undercut banks, and any other kind of structure on the river bottom. While some of the deeper pools can be separated by a good distance on this river, there's no lack of tail-outs or braids for these fish to stack up. Flies like Baby Ganga's, Sculpzillas, and articulated Sparkle Minnows will bring these trout out of their hiding places. 

The Bitterroot under the right conditions can be a dangerous river. Especially in the winter, make sure to look at the forecast and ask your local fly shop for condition updates before your next adventure.