Bitterroot River Fishing Report – March 21, 2025
Spring has arrived in Western Montana, and the Bitterroot River is starting to show signs of life! With longer days and rising temperatures, trout are becoming more active, and the much-anticipated Skwala stonefly hatch is underway. This is one of the most exciting times of the year to fish the Bitterroot, as trout begin looking up for big dry flies after a long winter of eating subsurface.
The river is in great shape overall, with slightly increased flows due to warming temperatures and early snowmelt. While some tributaries may be adding a bit of color to the water, visibility remains solid for fishing. Whether you're throwing dries, nymphs, or streamers, there are plenty of opportunities to hook into some quality trout right now.
Current Conditions:
- Flows: The river is running slightly higher than last week, but still at fishable levels. Keep an eye on the USGS gauge for daily fluctuations.
- Weather: Mild daytime temperatures in the upper 40s to low 50s, with cool nights in the 30s. Some cloud cover in the forecast should keep conditions ideal for fishing.
- Water Temp: Holding in the low-40s, which is perfect for Skwalas and increasing trout activity.
Hatches & Fly Recommendations:
Skwala Stoneflies:
The main event right now! Skwalas are starting to show up in good numbers, and trout are already responding. These early-season stoneflies are a prime food source for big fish looking to bulk up after winter.
🎣 Top Skwala Dry Fly Patterns:
- Rogue Stone Skwala (#10-12)
- Olive Chubby Chernobyl (#10-12)
- Water Walker Skwala (#10-12)
- Plan B in Olive or Original (#10-12)
🎣 Best Skwala Fishing Tactics:
- Focus on softer water near banks, inside seams, and slower runs where fish can rise without fighting heavy current.
- Midday is the prime time for dry fly action (11 AM – 4 PM), as bugs become more active in warmer conditions.
- A dry-dropper setup can be effective—try a Skwala dry with a small beadhead nymph underneath to target fish that aren't fully committing to the surface.
Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) & Midges:
On overcast days, expect solid hatches of BWOs and midges, especially in slow back eddies and tailouts. These smaller bugs provide great dry fly opportunities when the Skwalas aren’t active.
🎣 Effective Patterns:
- Parachute BWO (#18-20)
- CDC Sparkle Dun (#18-20)
- Griffith’s Gnat (#20-22)
- RS2 Emerger (#20-22)
Nymphs & Streamers:
If dry fly action slows down, nymphing and streamer fishing can still produce. A two-fly nymph rig with a Pat’s Rubber Legs (#8-10) as the lead fly and a smaller dropper like a Zebra Midge (#18-20) or Pheasant Tail (#16-18) can be deadly.
🎣 Best Nymphs:
- Pat’s Rubber Legs (#8-10, black/brown or olive)
- Zebra Midge (#18-20, black or red)
- Pheasant Tail (#16-18)
- Lightning Bug (#16-18, silver or pearl)
🎣 Streamer Suggestions:
With water temps rising, fish are becoming more aggressive. Streamer fishing is a great way to move big browns that may not rise for dries. Try swinging or stripping these patterns near cut banks and in deep pools:
- Kreelex Minnow (gold/copper)
- Sparkle Minnow (sculpin or black)
- Dungeons (olive, black)
- Mini Sculpin (#6-8, tan or brown)
Fishing Tactics & Tips:
- Find Soft Water – With increased flows, trout will move toward the edges. Look for inside bends, back eddies, and slower side channels where fish can hold and feed easily.
- Don’t Leave Fish to Find Fish – If you find rising fish, stay put and work the pod. They’re likely focused on a hatch, and careful fly selection can make all the difference.
- Adjust to the Weather – Skwalas prefer warmer, sunny afternoons, while BWOs and midges hatch best on cool, overcast days. Match your tactics to the conditions.
- Dry-Dropper Setups Are Key – Even if you don’t see consistent risers, fish are still eating just below the surface. A Skwala dry with a small nymph underneath can be an excellent way to cover both feeding zones.
- Streamer Fishing is Improving – If you’re after big browns, early spring is a great time to strip or swing streamers through deep holes and cut banks.
Looking Ahead:
The next 2-3 weeks will be prime time for Skwala fishing, making this one of the best dry fly opportunities of the season. As water temperatures continue to rise, we’ll see more consistent Skwala activity, along with increasing numbers of BWOs and March Browns later in the month.
While flows may fluctuate with snowmelt, conditions should remain excellent for wade and float fishing alike. Keep an eye on river gauges, and don’t hesitate to adjust locations based on clarity and flow changes.
If you’re looking to book a guided trip during the peak of the Skwala hatch, now is the time! Our experienced guides at Freestone Fly Shop know the river inside and out and can put you on fish whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting started.
📞 Call us at (406) 363-9099 to book your trip today!
Tight lines,
Jeff Gray
Freestone Fly Shop
