The public access in Montana is governed by The Stream Access Law that allows foot traffic above the high water mark of all navigable waterways. Check local maps and customs to be sure if certain side waters have a private designation. Cutthroat, rainbow, browns, brookies, whitefish, and fishing regulations that allow for a 12 month season - Western Montana has them all. There are streams, spring creeks, wide rivers, ponds, and lakes. 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.