6/23/2026: Bitterroot River Fishing Report

Summary

Western Montana has dropped into a strong early-summer pattern. Flows are receding across the region, clarity is good, and the salmonfly hatch is winding down into a golden stone, PMD, Green Drake, yellow sally, and caddis show. Dry-dropper is the all-around search rig; single dries when fish are clearly up. Region-wide best window is roughly 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and that matters this week: highs push toward 90°F Tuesday through Thursday, so start early and carry a thermometer. Cooler weather with a thunderstorm chance returns Friday and Saturday.

At a glance: Fishing well, still carrying some runoff lower down, ~60°F midday, ~1,240 CFS at Darby, ~2,810 at Bell Crossing, ~3,900 near Missoula (West Fork ~253 CFS near Conner) | GH 3/5 | Missoulian Angler 4/5 | Best window 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m

Fishing well and moving into better summer shape, though still carrying runoff volume lower down. High-elevation snowmelt bumped flows briefly, but the river should settle and fish well as it levels off. Roughly 1,240 CFS at Darby, 2,810 at Bell Crossing, and 3,900 near Missoula; mid-day water temperatures around 60°F (mornings in the 50s up high). The West Fork (about 253 CFS near Conner) is the cleanest small-water option and is fishing well, including salmonflies up there.

Hazard: The Bitterroot still has many downed trees and log jams, made more dangerous by fast-dropping water. Float cautiously.

Best techniques

Dry-dropper is the best approach. Hit the banks and woody structure with a Chubby Chernobyl, Plan B, or golden Juicy Stone trailing a Frenchie, Copper Top Duracell, Jig TNT PMD, or TJ Hooker. Watch the foam lines and slower water for fish eating PMDs. Streamer fishing is strong; you can get away with a big articulated bug this time of year.

Hatches

Golden Stones and PMDs are the main hatches on the mainstem, with Yellow Sallies, Green Drakes, caddis, and lingering salmonflies in the upper river and West Fork.

The Fly Box

Nymphs: Pat's Rubber Legs, Double Bead Stone, TJ Hooker, Jiggler, San Juan Worm, Duracell, Blowtorch, Frenchie, Zirdles, Split Case PMD, Psycho May, Pheasant Tails, Perdigons

Dries: Chubby Chernobyl, Plan B, Juicy Stone, Henry's Fork Foam Stone, Water Walker, Dancin' Ricky, Fool's Gold, Brindlechute, Purple Haze, Hatchback Drake, Carnage Drake, On Point Para Wulff, Rio's Film Critic, Flash Cripple, Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis

Streamers: Sparkle Minnows, Kreelex, Goldie, Articulated Sparkle Yummy, Bangtail, Shake & Bake, Mini Dungeons, Peanut Envy, Sculpzilla, Thin Mint, Woolly Buggers

Outlook. Should keep improving as runoff fades and insect activity builds. Golden stones are right around the corner on the mainstem, and that hatch often makes for excellent dry-fly fishing while everyone else chases the salmonfly.

Sources and Thanks

Shop	Report date	Coverage
Blackfoot River Outfitters	June 19, 2026	All four rivers
Kingfisher Fly Shop	June 22, 2026	All four rivers
Grizzly Hackle	June 13, 2026	All four rivers
The Missoulian Angler	June 12, 2026	All four rivers
Lightweight Fly Shop	June 21, 2026	All four rivers
Freestone Fly Shop	June 9, 2026	Bitterroot (general context)