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 snow, which has the flows slightly up on the Bitterroot. Despite that, bug life is picking up—there’s solid BWO midge activity throughout the day, along with consistent nemoura and skwala hatches on much of the river. We are also seeing thick hatches of March Browns, and Grey Drakes.

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 various Mayfly imitations. If you're going to fish the Bitterrot, it is totally worth bringin your dry box.

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. It’s a good time to incorporate stonefly nymphs or larger attractor patterns alongside smaller patterns like a Perdigon or PT. Proven flies like the TJ Hooker, Pat’s Rubber Legs, and Double Bead Stones continue to produce.

Streamer fishing is also holding steady. Continue to focus on big, dark, high-contrast patterns. 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.