West Fork of the Bitterroot River Fishing Report
Date: March 21, 2025
Current Conditions:
The West Fork is running cold but clear, with flows holding steady. Snowmelt hasn’t hit in full force yet, but expect water levels to rise with warmer afternoons. The river is still in pre-runoff mode, meaning fish are holding in deeper, slower runs.
Hatches & Flies:
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Midges & Blue-Winged Olives – Mid-morning into early afternoon has been producing solid BWO hatches, especially on overcast days. Look for risers in softer water and back eddies.
- Patterns: Parachute BWO (#18-20), Griffith’s Gnat (#18-22), CDC Baetis Emerger (#18-20)
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Skwala Stoneflies – We’re starting to see a few of these early-season stones making an appearance. Dry-fly eats are sporadic but improving, especially in the afternoons when water warms up a few degrees.
- Patterns: Rogue Skwala (#10-12), Bullethead Skwala (#10-12), Olive Chubby Chernobyl (#10-12)
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Nymphing & Streamers – If dry flies aren’t producing, focus on nymph rigs with stonefly imitations and small mayfly nymphs. Streamer action has been solid on cloudy days.
- Patterns: Pat’s Rubber Legs (#8-10), Pheasant Tail (#14-18), Zonkers & Mini-Dungeons (olive/black)
Best Tactics:
- Dry-Dropper Setup – A Skwala dry with a small mayfly or midge nymph underneath is a great way to cover water.
- Nymphing Deep Runs – Focus on slower water where fish are stacked up. A double-nymph rig with a stonefly and BWO nymph can be deadly.
- Swinging & Stripping Streamers – With water temps still cool, slow retrieves are key. Fish are chasing, but not aggressively yet.
Outlook:
Skwala season is about to turn on in the next couple of weeks. As water temps rise, look for fish to move into more active feeding lanes and start smashing big bugs. Now is a great time to get out before the river gets crowded.
Need a Guide?
Freestone Fly Shop offers guided trips on the West Fork and the rest of the Bitterroot. Give us a call to book your early-season trip and get in on some of the best dry-fly action of the year!
Tight lines!
— Jeff Gray, Outfitter/Owner, Freestone Fly Shop
