What flies are hatching on the Bitterroot River right now?

Current and seasonal hatches on the Bitterroot River include Skwala, Salmonfly, Golden Stone. 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 276 CFS at the Near Darby gauge. Readings update every 15 minutes from the USGS Water Services API.

Is the Bitterroot River fishable today?

Bitterroot River is rated marginal right now. Flow is 276 CFS at the Near Darby gauge. Go in prepared — heavier tippet, cautious wading, or target edges and seams.

Bitterroot River Fly Fishing Conditions

Live Conditions

Bitterroot River — Near Darby

Marginal

276CFS

Discharge

1.84ft

Gauge Height

—

Water Temp

Updated 54 min agoView on USGS ↗

7-Day Flow

→ Stable

RisingFallingStable

24-Hr Pressure

26.22 inHg · → High/stable

Falling (good)RisingHigh/stable

Local Weather

43°FOvercast

Wind 7 mph26.22 inHg Low & stable

Tough conditions — fish deep

Today

🌫️

Foggy

45° / 34°

Tomorrow

🌧️

Rain

43° / 37°

0.27"

Mon

🌫️

Foggy

48° / 32°

Tue

🌦️

Drizzle

54° / 34°

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.

6

Time of Day

Using: 276 CFS · Midges. BWOs on mild afternoons. Sections beginning to ice. Brown trout spawn — RESPECT REDDS.

What should I pack?

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

🪰 Hatch Calendar

Bitterroot River · November · Late Fall

Full calendar →

Showing typical dates — water temperature data unavailable for live hatch predictions.

Select month

JanDec

Midges. BWOs on mild afternoons. Sections beginning to ice. Brown trout spawn — RESPECT REDDS.

Blue-Winged OliveMidge

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.