The Bitterroot is a true freestone river, meaning it fishes differently throughout the season. High water brings exciting streamer and dry fly opportunities, while summer flows provide excellent dry fly fishing with hatches like salmonflies, golden stones, PMDs, and caddis.

Anglers love the Bitterroot for:

• Classic dry fly fishing
  
• Stunning mountain scenery
  
• Diverse water types
  
• Wild rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout
  

Dry fly fishing is a highlight of the Bitterroot River. Our guides specialize in timing hatches, selecting the right flies, and helping anglers present flies effectively in changing freestone conditions.

From big stoneflies in late spring to technical summer dry fly fishing, the Bitterroot offers something new every day.

Whether it’s your first time fly fishing or you’re an experienced angler, our Bitterroot River trips are tailored to your ability and goals. Instruction is always included, making these trips ideal for beginners and anglers looking to refine their skills.

• Professional local fly fishing guide
• Drift boat or raft
• Safety gear
• Expert instruction
• Rods, reels, and flies included
• Stream side lunch

We’re local, we know this river inside and out, and we love sharing it. Our guides focus on creating relaxed, productive days on the water with an emphasis on dry fly fishing and personalized experiences.

You can expect your guide to be punctual, professional and courteous throughout the day. They are independent contractors and supply all of their own equipment and gear, including flies, tippet, vehicle shuttle and more. Therefore, a guide is usually very appreciative of a 20% gratuity or more.

Yes. Freestone Fly Shop will have quality equipment for you to use during your trip.

No. this will be something you must rent or borrow from someone. Often times these won't be necessary. Ask your guide if you are unsure if you'll need them.

Our half day trips will be on the water for up to 4 hours. Our full day trips are on the water for 6-8 hours. If you have certain time constraints, please discuss with your guide ahead of time.

TERMS and CONDITIONS:

Payment(s) for scheduled trips:

• Deposit of 20% of the entire trip cost must be submitted to confirm booking, with the balance due 7 days prior to your first scheduled trip date.

Cancellation more than 30 days prior to your first scheduled trip date:

• Entire deposit will be refunded, minus 10% of the entire trip cost.

Cancellation less than 30 Days but more than 7 days prior to your first scheduled trip date:

• Entire deposit will be forfeited.

Cancellation 7 days or less prior to your first scheduled trip date:

• Entire cost of the trip will be forfeited.

Montana's weather is often adverse, we do not cancel trips due to inclement weather. If you are concerned about the possibility of cancellation, we encourage you to purchase trip insurance such as https://www.globalrescue.com/.

Freestone Fly Shop is an equal opportunity employer. Operating in part on the West Fork Ranger District of the Bitterroot National Forest under permit WF-BL-1907, the Madison River under permit #258, the Blackfoot River under permit #114, the Upper Bitterroot River under permit UBWF-14, portions of the Missouri River under permit #2025-00876, Montana Board of Outfitters Licensee #14259, Jeff Gray.

Your itinerary will include a meeting time and place, however if you wish to change this please reach out to the shop here.