Bitterroot River Fly Fishing Report - June 28, 2026

Fly Fishing Report

BITTERROOT RIVER

Report
JUN 28 — JUL 5, 2026
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Flow
3680CFS
Bitterroot River near Missoula MT
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Water Temp
56.5°F
Updated 2026-06-27
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Weather
40–59°F
Light Rain
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Clarity
Clear
Check post-storm
The Bitterroot is running at 3,680 cfs and 5.6 ft gauge height with a water temp of 56.5°F — still elevated from runoff but dropping and fishable, with persistent rain through Monday likely to bump flows and temporarily color the water.
Hatch Chart
Insect Size Activity Prime Time
Golden Stonefly 6-8 Heavy 10 AM - 3 PM
PMD (Pale Morning Dun) 18-20 Moderate 11 AM - 2 PM
Yellow Sally Stonefly 14-16 Moderate 12 PM - 4 PM
Caddis 16-20 Moderate 6 PM - 8 PM
Green Drake 12 Light 11 AM - 1 PM
Midge 20-22 Light 8 AM - 10 AM
Best Time Window
  • 7 AM - 10 AM: Pre-hatch nymphing along soft inside seams before rain intensifies; best shot at undisturbed fish.
  • 10 AM - 1 PM: Prime window for PMD and yellow sally dry fly action in the flats; overcast skies keep fish looking up.
  • 5 PM - 7 PM: Evening caddis activity in the riffles; skate a GTI Caddis through the tailouts before light fades.
Guide's Tip
From the benchWith rain in the forecast all day and flows already elevated at 3,680 cfs, focus your morning on nymphing the inside seams and softer water along the banks where fish stack up to avoid the main current push. As the day warms toward midday, watch for PMD and yellow sally activity in the slower flats — even in overcast conditions trout will rise if the hatch is on. Keep your indicator depth set to just above bottom contact, and don't be afraid to upsize your split shot as the rain adds volume; getting your nymph into the strike zone is everything right now. If flows spike and clarity drops by afternoon, switch to the Sparkle Minnow Sculpin or Wiggly Worm and work the edges — big fish will be actively feeding in the murk.
Main Species
Westslope Cutthroat Trout
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Fly Fish Food
Report generated June 28, 2026 — Next update: July 5, 2026