Montana ·
Bitterroot River Fly Fishing Report - August 16, 2026
BITTERROOT RIVER
ReportAUG 16 — 23, 2026
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Flow
752CFS
Bitterroot River near Missoula MT
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Water Temp
65.8°F
Updated 2026-08-16
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Weather
44–86°F
Mostly Clear
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Clarity
Clear
Check post-storm
Flow is 752 cfs with water temps at 65.8°F — cooler than last week's reports and right at the edge of comfortable for trout, but hoot owl restrictions remain in effect so you must be off the water by 2 PM. Clarity is excellent, demanding precise presentations and light tippet.
What's Working — Hot Flies
Juju Baetis Tungsten #22
#22
Parachute - Blue Wing Olive #22
#22
Olsen's Quilldigon - Olive - Barbless #22 - 24
#22-24
Top Secret Baetis #16
#16
Bionic Ant 2.0 - Black #16
#16
Bionic Hopper - Tan #12
#12
Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) Tan #20
#20
Egan's Thread Frenchie Jig - Olive #12
#12
Pheasant Tail Tungsten #20
#20
Coffey's CH Sparkle Minnow Sculpin #6
#6
Olsen's Straggle Stone Brown Barbless #12 - 32
#12
Barr's Flashback Emerger - BWO #22
#22
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trico | 22-24 | Heavy | 7 AM - 10 AM |
| Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis) | 20-22 | Moderate | 8 AM - 12 PM |
| Caddis | 16-18 | Moderate | 6 AM - 9 AM |
| Terrestrials (Ants & Hoppers) | 12-16 | Moderate | 10 AM - 1 PM |
| Midge | 20-24 | Light | 6 AM - 8 AM |
Best Time Window
- 6 AM - 9 AM: Prime nymphing and early caddis/midge activity in riffles and runs before the sun fully penetrates the water.
- 9 AM - 12 PM: BWO hatch peaks in shaded stretches; switch to dry flies for rising fish in tailouts and flat water.
- 12 PM - 1:45 PM: Final terrestrial window along grassy banks before mandatory off-water time — hoppers and ants along the edges.
Guide's Tip
From the benchWith hoot owl restrictions in effect, your entire fishing day is compressed into the morning — be on the water at first light and work the shaded, oxygenated riffles first. As the sun climbs and terrestrial activity picks up around 10 AM, shift to a hopper or ant pattern and walk the grassy banks, casting within 12 inches of the edge. Keep your leader long (12-14 feet) and your tippet fine (6X) in this low, clear water — fish are spooky and will refuse a fly dragging even slightly. Be off the water well before 2 PM; don't push it.
Main Species
Westslope Cutthroat Trout
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
