Ravalli County, MT · Inland River
Bitterroot River
A classic western-Montana freestone south of Missoula — wild rainbow, brown, and native westslope cutthroat trout in braided channels beneath the Bitterroot Range. Famous for the early-season skwala stonefly hatch and a long dry-fly season.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout & Cutthroat Trout — tied at the top (68/100)
3 species tied for best of 3 tracked at Bitterroot River.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Bitterroot River
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 3 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Rainbow Trout Workable day for Rainbow Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 3
Western District streams: 3 trout daily and in possession (all species combined), only 1 longer than 14".
Source: Montana Western District regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
#1 Brown Trout Workable day for Brown Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Salmo trutta — Naturally reproduces in the Gunpowder River tailwater (Loch Raven below Prettyboy) and several Western MD streams; also heavily stocked. Typically more wary than rainbows. Classic mayfly hatches on the Gunpowder — sulphurs, BWOs, caddis. Streamer-eaters after dark.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Daily creel
- 3
Western District streams: 3 trout daily and in possession (all species combined), only 1 longer than 14".
Source: Montana Western District regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
#1 Cutthroat Trout Check local Cutthroat Trout regulations before you keep one. Regs unverified 68/100
We don't have confirmed size, creel, or season rules for Cutthroat Trout in MT on file yet. The live conditions score still applies — but confirm the current regulations with your state agency before keeping any fish.
What's helping
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Oncorhynchus clarkii — The West's native trout, named for the red-orange slash under the jaw. Many subspecies — Yellowstone, Snake River fine-spotted, Bonneville, Colorado River, and the giant Lahontan strain of Pyramid Lake, which routinely tops 10 lb and once produced fish over 40. Feeds hard in cold water, which makes it a year-round target on tailwaters and a marquee winter–spring fishery at Pyramid. Hybridizes readily with stocked rainbows, so wild-cutthroat waters carry strict release rules.
Prefers. Water 39–62°F (ideal 54°F) · either tide · depth 1–25 ft.
No regulations on file for Montana Western District / non-tidal-trout. Check the appropriate state agency directly before fishing.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Montana Western District
Coordinates
Notes
Montana Western District: 3 trout/day (only 1 over 14"). Native cutthroat are release-only on many reaches.
Local reports & rules for Bitterroot River: Montana FWP fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Bitterroot River?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Bitterroot River you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Bitterroot River?
Bitterroot River is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Bitterroot River?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Bitterroot River against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Bitterroot River have?
Bitterroot River has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. Montana Western District: 3 trout/day (only 1 over 14"). Native cutthroat are release-only on many reaches.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Bitterroot River?
state agency regulations apply at Bitterroot River. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Bitterroot River tidal water?
No. Bitterroot River is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.