In this 5-part series we will share our knowledge and insights on the five rivers we fish in Montana
The first river will be the Bitterroot, where we probably spend more days per year than any other, due to its extensive dry fly season and consistent hatches throughout most of the year. The Bitterroot is formed by the confluence of the East and West forks near Darby, Montana. These forks have fantastic dry fly fishing in their own right, especially in the month of June when the water is still high. Big salmonflies tight to the bank, fast water, and fast action describe a day on the forks during this time.
Further down we enter what is classified as the “Upper River”, which is basically the confluence of the forks to the South end of Hamilton, Montana. This is fantastic dry fly water, maybe the most consistently producing dry fly water in Montana. Medium-sized cutthroats make up the majority of a day’s catch here, with some larger browns and rainbows sprinkled in.
The river then flows through the town of Hamilton, where it starts to become slightly slower water, but more dynamic in terms of habitat. Grassier cutbanks, more logjams, feeder springs, and longer flats start to take shape as some of the biggest trout in the river call this area home down towards the small town of Victor. This “middle river” is where we catch the most big fish, (and especially most big brown trout) every year. Comprised of sandier gravel banks, the river’s path changes every year with high water runoff, making new structure and fresh hiding spots for fish to lie annually.
As we get down below Stevensville, Montana the lower Bitterroot is formed. Here, large flats and riffles offer the technical dry fly fisherman great opportunities to test their skills at big rainbows and browns with picky noses. These fish are harder to catch than their cousins upriver, but worth it, as average size and strength of fight is the highest in the river here.
Every Stretch of the river also offers amazing scenery. The extremely rugged and jagged Bitterroot-Selway wilderness stretches along the entire west side of the Valley, and the more gently rolling Sapphire Range mirrors it to the east. As you float, lush cottonwood bottoms remind you more of an eastern US deciduous setting, which is equally beautiful.
-Trevor Anderson
Owner/Outfitter, Montana Guiding Company