After a winter of fly tying and mending waders, Bitterroot River dry fly fishing is right around the corner. Bitterroot River Skwala Stoneflies are the first large bug to hatch at the breaking of winter. And the trout are more than eager to partake in the feast. The initial spring season should net 1-2 months of quality fly fishing before the spring run-off shuts it down for a few weeks.
The early spring season starts when the daytime weather begins to warm in middle to late March. The water is cold and clear. This is a beautiful time of year to get out on the river. Competition for your favorite fishing hole is minimal and the fishing can be outstanding.
The early spring hatches include Skwala, Capnia, Nemoura and March Brown Mayfly . Once the Skwala hatch gets going in full swing you would think the trout are attending a drunken tailgate party at a Griz playoff game.
The Bitterroot River is the best known western river for Skwala Stones. Skwala nymphs begin to work their way to the edges of the river as the winter days lengthen. Once the water temperatures approach 40 degrees the Skwala Stones will begin to emerge. The exact timing of the Skwala emergence varies from year to year. You can pretty much count on some solid activity by mid-March, though.
So dust off your fly fishing gear and get ready to head to the Bitterroot River for the late winter Skwala Stonefly hatch.
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Thank you for the kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed the website. Hope you keep coming back often.
Time for the skwala hatch on the Bitterroot River.
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