Montana Fishing Reports ยท Western Region
Between Darby and Hamilton, the upper Bitterroot runs fast and clear below the Bitterroot Range, with cutthroat, rainbows and browns.
Looking for the latest Upper Bitterroot River report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Bitterroot River โ Darby to Hamilton.
Current flows
Wind forecast
Upper Bitterroot River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The gauge near Darby reads around 230 cfs, low and clear.
BWOs on cloudy afternoons. Nymph the riffles and work the deeper bends with small streamers.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Darby to Hamilton, bring: JuJu Baetis #18-20, Parachute Adams #16-20, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-18, Woolly Bugger #6-8, Zebra Midge #18-22, RS2 Emerger #18-22, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Upper Bitterroot River details
| Access | Fishing access sites along US-93 between Darby and Hamilton. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 3,900 ft |
| Nearest town | Hamilton, Montana |
| Best season | Spring through fall |
| Fish | Westslope cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout |
| Regulations | Montana's stream regulations vary by district and river. Check Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks regulations for the current rules. A Montana fishing license is required for anglers 12 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 5X tippet |
| Camping | Bitterroot National Forest campgrounds nearby |
| Kids | Partly. |
| Good to know | Low water in the fall makes floating tough. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Cold.
Spring
Skwala stoneflies.
Summer
Caddis, PMDs and hoppers.
Fall
BWOs and mahogany duns.
How to get there
From Missoula, take US-93 south through Hamilton toward Darby.