Fishs Eddy O - RIVER REPORT


Last Updated: March 5, 2010

What is a Skwalla??????

The Skwala is a large olive stone fly (#8,#10) that emerges on the Bitterroot River from mid March until the end of April. Many northwest rivers have this hatch but the population of Skwala's seems to be much higher on the Bitterroot. The nymphs begin migrating toward the edges of the river beginning in late February. Skwala's mate on the streamside rocks after which the females fly back or swim onto the water to lay there eggs. The males have small wings and don't fly well. Becasuse the bugs are poor flyers and struggle to swim on the surface this can create a feeding frenzy among trout who have been relatively dormant over the long winter. The weather this time of year can be inconsistent, snowing one day, warm and sunny the next. Because of this the fishing can sometimes be inconsistent, but if you get lucky and it all comes together you can experience some of the best dry fly fishing the Bitterroot has to offer.

This winter has been quite mild without much moisture. Because of this the long awaited Skwala hatch is about a week early. There are lots of nymphs along the edges and a few few adults have begun to hatch. We are expecting good fishing this spring because of this weather factor. Also, as the days warm the river should stay clear and fishable as there is no snow in the valley to bump the river up. Fishing nymphs early should get the job done and then switch to dries after lunch as the water warms and bugs get moving. Give me a call if you would like to get out and experience the Bitterroot Skwala hatch. see ya on the river..

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