Pick your environment and your gear. Fishing regulations designate some areas of the Bitterroot River as catch and release only. Bait and fishing lures are allowed on other sections of the river and in some canyon streams and mountain lakes. Fly fishing, however, is by far the most prevalent style of fishing. Fish the Bitterroot River in a raft for the best results.
Guides offer invaluable lessons on the river that can be repeated later on a solo trip.
Common hatches include Spring skwala, salmonfly, gray drakes, mayflies, caddis, damsel, grasshoppers and midges. Guided floats include shuttles, gear, gourmet streamside lunches and lots of casting help. Recommended gear includes a 5-6 weight rod, dry flyline, polarized sunglasses, a warm jacket, and rain gear. If you visit Montana, bring your golf clubs for some of the best courses in the West. In the Bitterroot Valley there are three courses, two public and one private.