Montana ·
Bitterroot River Fly Fishing Report - September 20, 2026
BITTERROOT RIVER
ReportSEP 20 — 27, 2026
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Flow
1010CFS
Bitterroot River near Missoula MT
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Water Temp
60.4°F
Updated 2026-09-19
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Weather
42–80°F
Patchy Fog
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Clarity
Clear
Check post-storm
Flow is running at 1,010 cfs with a gauge height of 3.48 ft and a comfortable 60.4°F water temp — textbook early-fall conditions on the Bitterroot. Expect gin-clear water and excellent visibility today under sunny skies with a high near 76°F.
What's Working — Hot Flies
Bionic Hopper - Tan #12
#12
Bionic Hopper - Purple #12
#12
Bionic Ant 2.0 - Black #16
#16
Bionic Ant 2.0 - Brown #12
#12
Parachute - Blue Wing Olive #22
#22
Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) Tan #20
#20
Egan's Frenchie #12
#12
Egan's Thread Frenchie Jig - Olive #12
#12
Juju Baetis Tungsten #22
#22
Top Secret Baetis #16
#16
Coffey's CH Sparkle Minnow Sculpin #6
#6
Tungsten Jig Bugger - Olive - Barbless #14
#14
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis) | 20-22 | Moderate | 11 AM - 2 PM |
| Caddis | 16-18 | Moderate | 4 PM - 7 PM |
| Terrestrials (Ants & Hoppers) | 12-16 | Heavy | 10 AM - 5 PM |
| Midge | 20-22 | Light | 8 AM - 10 AM |
| PMD (Pale Morning Dun) | 18-20 | Light | 10 AM - 1 PM |
Best Time Window
- 7 AM - 9 AM: Early fog lifts — nymph the deeper runs with Frenchies and Juju Baetis before the sun hits the water.
- 10 AM - 3 PM: Prime terrestrial window — work hoppers and ants tight to shaded banks and foam lines during peak warmth.
- 5 PM - 7 PM: Evening caddis push in the riffles — skitter a Corn-fed Caddis and watch for aggressive surface takes before dark.
Guide's Tip
From the benchWith 1,010 cfs and clear water, fish can see everything — go long on your leaders (12-14 feet) and drop to 5X or 6X tippet for your dry and nymph presentations. The terrestrial bite is your best opportunity today: work the right bank from a drift boat, casting hoppers and ants within 12 inches of the grass and willows. If you're wading, focus on the inside seams and foam lines where the current slows — that's where fish are stacking up to intercept food. As the sun drops off the water in the evening, switch to the caddis and be ready for a short but productive surface window in the riffles.
Main Species
Westslope Cutthroat Trout
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
