What flies are hatching on the Bitterroot River right now?

Current and seasonal hatches on the Bitterroot River include Caddis, Pale Morning Dun. Use the AI Hatch Advisor on this page for a live, temperature-aware recommendation.

What's the current flow on the Bitterroot River?

The Bitterroot River is running at 435 CFS at the Near Darby gauge. Readings update every 15 minutes from the USGS Water Services API.

Is the Bitterroot River fishable today?

Yes — Bitterroot River is rated fishable right now. Current flow is 435 CFS at the Near Darby gauge.

Bitterroot River Fly Fishing Conditions

Live Conditions

Bitterroot River — Near Darby

Fishable

435CFS

Discharge

2.21ft

Gauge Height

63.5°F

Water Temp

Updated 1 hr agoView on USGS ↗

7-Day Flow

↓ Falling

RisingFallingStable

24-Hr Pressure

26.49 inHg · → High/stable

Falling (good)RisingHigh/stable

Local Weather

71°FClear sky

Wind 8 mph26.49 inHg Low & stable

Tough conditions — fish deep

Today

☀️

Clear sky

78° / 57°

Tomorrow

☀️

Clear sky

72° / 51°

Tue

☀️

Clear sky

79° / 52°

Wed

☀️

Clear sky

91° / 55°

Cold front incoming — go deep with nymphs, surface activity likely slow.

Weather by Open-Meteo · No API key · Updated every 30 min

What should I fish today?

⚡ AI

AI-powered recommendation using today's live flow, temperature, and hatch data.

9.4

Time of Day

Using: 435 CFS · 63.5°F · PMDs continue. Hopper season peak

What should I pack?

Rod, flies, tippet, and safety gear specific to today's Bitterroot River conditions.

🪰 Hatch Calendar

Bitterroot River · August · Late Summer

Full calendar →

🟢 Active now at 63.5°F water

CaddisPale Morning Dun

Select month

JanDec

PMDs continue. Hopper season peak (size 8-12). Caddis evenings. Hot afternoons — hoot-owl restrictions common. Cool mornings and evenings best.

PMDCaddis

🟢 Active · 🟡 Approaching · ⚪ Seasonal only

River Map

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USGS Gauge (click for site ID)Fishing Access / SectionScroll to zoom disabled — use map controls

About Bitterroot River

Classic western Montana freestone flowing north from the Bitterroot Range to its confluence with the Clark Fork in Missoula. Famous for the early-season Skwala stonefly hatch and a beloved local Salmonfly emergence.

SkwalaSalmonflyGolden StoneCaddisPale Morning DunHopperBlue-Winged Olive

Regulations

Standard Montana trout regulations apply on the Bitterroot; catch-and-release is encouraged for wild westslope cutthroat. Montana fishing license required. Verify current regs at fwp.mt.gov before fishing.

Learn More

Guides to help you fish Bitterroot River with more confidence.