Cutthroat, Brown and Rainbow Trout
The total length of the Bitterroot River is 75 miles at the confluence of the east and west fork near Conner, Montana. However, if you include these two outstanding tributaries, there would be well over 100 miles of Blue-Ribbon trout water!
The best way to describe the Bitterroot River, is a braided meandering stream. It follows along the Bitterroot Valley, lined by birch trees with the Sapphire Mountains to the east and the rugged Bitterroot Mountains at a distance to the west. A short drive over the Bitterroot Mountains would actually put you in Idaho.
When fishing the headwaters around Darby Montana, the Bitterroot River is a smaller river with faster water and cutthroat trout being the predominate species. As the river flows toward the north, it increases both in width and volume. Here, the chance of catching more browns and rainbows is more likely. Depending on the time of the year we use a variety of different fly-fishing techniques. We use streamer fishing, nymph fishing, and dries.
The Bitterroot River is also world famous for its Skwala hatch. This hatch happens in the months of March and April, with a good mix of drakes and smaller stoneflies thrown in. This season offers the chance to catch some of the biggest fish of the year, as the trout awaken from a winter slumber.
After these two months of amazing fishing, the Bitterroot River experiences run-off from the winter snowpack, and doesn’t usually become fishable again until around the end of June. It finishes the season strong again, with another somewhat unique hatch, a large mayfly called the Hecuba. This hatch continues through the months of September and October.
Bitterroot River Details:
Well, Summer is here for sure. After a fairly cool June and great hatches, flows have dropped like a rock and we’re on Hoot Owl
Things have finally shaped up and fishing is great. The last to start producing was the lower Bitteroot. Seems cold, and still a little high
This spring’s fishing has been a rollercoaster for sure. It was a little slow to get going in March, but picked up and was solid
Brian Gast2024-04-11I have been fishing with Doug at Clear Creek Outfitters for about 15 years now and I would never go anywhere else. Doug’s knowledge of the rivers and where the fish are is second to none. He always finds a way to put you onto some nice fish! In addition to some great fishing you will always have a great time with Doug, and the lunches👍. So if you are looking for a great day on the river and want to catch some fish this is the only place to go!
Gavin Holles2024-04-07Doug was instrumental in delivering a truly epic trip down both the Blackfoot and Bitterroot rivers. These are remarkable landscapes on their own - made even better by his ability to put you on fish and help even a novice fly fisherman find success! He delivers the whole experience for his clients which makes for a great day on the river. Highly Recommend.
railroader232024-03-21Highly recommend Clear Creek Outfitters for drifting the rivers in the Missoula area! Doug Jones is an awesome guide and knows all the sweet spots on the rivers. He's very patient especially if you are a beginner fly fisherman like me lol. Doug showed me new techniques to hone my skills and what I need to look for as a beginning fly fisherman. Hooked up on some big fish but being a beginner it was rod handler error on getting them in the boat. I will definitely be choosing Clear Creek Outfitters again for my next fishing trip down the Bitterroot, Clark Fork, Blackfoot or Missouri River and this time I'll be ready to land that personal best with Doug!!!
Joe Reidy2023-07-08I've fished quite a bit and I can say that this was one of my favorite days on the water. Doug got me on the trout within the first two casts. Throughout the day we told fishing stories and got along like old friends fishing. At certain points he'd give me tips on improving my cast, where to drop the fly, alter presentation, or when to set. Other times, he'd let me fish with no critique. He hit the perfect balance. I can't recommend Doug highly enough, 5 stars doesn't do him justice.
Ashley May2022-10-18Whether you’re a seasoned fly junkie or a total newbie Doug will go out of his way to accommodate you and adapt to your needs. He has more experience than a lot of the guides I looked into and it really came through. Local info and stories were a nice bonus to a day spent on the Blackfoot as well as a tasty lunch. Don’t look any further if you’ve found Clear Creek!
ashreading2022-07-25My Dad and I went out with Doug when waters were high and fishing was tough. Doug got us on fish and gave us a great day. Will definitely recommend to anyone I know looking for a guide in the future.
Debra Raines2022-07-24Fantastic time fly fishing. This was my first time fishing. Our guide, Doug, was an excellent instructor and made our trip so much fun.. I actually caught a sizable fish..I can’t wait for our next trip ..
Duane Cook2022-07-08What a great way to learn fly fishing! Doug was tremendous. About 6 hours of rapid fire instruction and encouragement. It was so fun! I think I had 9 strikes (my wife about the same) and I even pulling in my dinner: literally. I learned SO MUCH! Doug has a infectious love of fly fishing. We have been out twice since our float down the Bitterroot! Everything we needed to know to get started…casting, mending, watching, how to react when they hit! Doug knows all the great spots and exactly where to put the fly! If you want to learn from a true professional, he is you guy!
Jeff Somrock2022-07-08Doug is a true professional. Having never been fly fishing before he taught us to cast and had us pulling fish into the raft almost immediately. Sorry for all the flies we left in the trees we promise to lose less next year!
Cell: 406-370-7039
Alternate Cell: 406-531-3776
E-mail: info@clearcreekoutfitters.com
Doug Jones
Montana Outfitter #8453
5400 Arnica Road
Missoula, MT 59803
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