Bitterroot River Fishing Report – June 29, 2025
Current Conditions:
The Bitterroot River is in excellent shape as runoff continues to drop and stabilize. Flows are holding steady and clear, with side channels and the main stem becoming more accessible each day. The river is fishing well throughout the system—from the upper stretches near Conner all the way down to Florence.
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Bell Crossing Flow: ~970 CFS
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Darby Flow: ~632 CFS
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Visibility: 3–4 feet and improving
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Water Temp: Mid-50s°F
Hatches & Flies:
It’s full-on dry fly season in Western Montana, and the Bitterroot is delivering. Golden Stones are the star of the show right now, especially mid-morning through early afternoon. You’ll also see a solid mix of:
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Golden Stoneflies (#8–12): Fluttering mid-day into early evening
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Top Patterns: Chubby Chernobyls, Henry’s Fork Golden, Rogue Stones, Plan B in Original and Golden
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PMDs (#14–18): Active throughout the day
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Top Patterns: Sparkle Dun, Film Critic, Purple Haze, Brindlechute
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Green Drakes (#10–12): Still showing in pockets
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Top Patterns: Comparadun, Hare’s Ear Parachute
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Caddis (#16–18): Evenings are lights-out near riffles and banks
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Top Patterns: X-Caddis, Tan Elk Hair, CDC Caddis
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Tactics & Tips:
Now’s the time to get aggressive with dry flies. Float anglers should target grassy banks and side channels where trout are pushing into shallower lies to feed. Drop a small mayfly or caddis emerger 18 inches behind your Golden Stone for bonus eats. Wade anglers can find success swinging soft hackles through riffles or prospecting cutbanks with a hopper-dropper setup.
If you're out early or later in the day, a small streamer like a Mini Dungeon or Sparkle Minnow stripped tight to structure can move some big fish.
Guide’s Note:
Late June into early July is a prime window for topwater eats on big dries. Expect aggressive strikes and consistent opportunities throughout the day—especially on the upper Bitterroot and West Fork. We’re still seeing a few snow-fed pushes on warm afternoons, but overall conditions are stabilizing fast.
Want the best water, best bugs, and best instruction?
📞 Call 406-363-9099 or Book Online for a guided float with our team of seasoned pros.
