Warmer days are steadily pushing water temperatures up, and that shift is bringing more consistent insect activity across the river. At the same time, warmer weather is melting in-town snow, which is leading to reduced visibility and increasing flows on the Bitterroot. Despite that, bug life is picking up—there’s solid midge activity throughout the day, along with consistent nemoura and skwala hatches on much of the river.

Fish are starting to look up more regularly, and dry fly opportunities are improving—especially during the morning hours and again near sunset. Trout can be found looking up and nailing skwala patterns as well as small midge emergers, though surface feeding can still be a bit hit-or-miss, especially with the clarity right now. If you're going to fish the Bitterrot, it is totally worth bringin your dry box and trying out a skwala or dark stonefly pattern.

Nymphing remains a dependable approach and hasn’t changed much in terms of productivity. Focus on deeper runs and transitional water, where fish are still holding consistently. With warming temps, nymph movement along the banks is increasing, and the presence of skwalas is becoming more noticeable. It’s a good time to incorporate stonefly nymphs or larger attractor patterns alongside your winter staples. Proven flies like the TJ Hooker, Pat’s Rubber Legs, and Double Bead Stones continue to produce, and making slight adjustments—like changing size or adding flash—can make a difference, especially on brighter days.

Streamer fishing is also holding steady. With minimal shelf ice this season, more water has remained open and fishable than usual. Continue to focus on big, dark, high-contrast patterns fished low and slow. Methodically work structure and deeper buckets with flies like a Sparkle Minnow, Dungeon, or Woolly Bugger to target some of the river’s larger fish.

The Bitterroot is one of the most dynamic watersheds in Western Montana and conditions can change quickly. Use caution when floating—keep an eye out for obstacles, scout from above when possible, and be prepared to portage. There is currently a posted warning at Poker Joe Fishing Access noting a river blockage between there and Florence FAS (46.593246, -114.058361): “Portage clear left. Please use caution.