MONTANA’S TOP FISHING WATERS
THE RIVER THAT DOES IT ALL Despite booming residential development and growing angling pressure, the Bitterroot continues to provide superb trout fishing while maintaining pristine coldwater habitat for imperiled native fish. How long can that last? BY DARYL GADBOW
BITTERROOT RIVER NEAR HAMILTON BY RON LOWERY/RONLOWERY.COM
20
MAY-JUNE 2012
FWP.MT.GOV/MTOUTDOORS
LOVELY TO BEHOLD Like a blue serpent winding through a green garden, the Bitterroot River snakes its way north toward Missoula between banks lined with cottonwoods interspersed with ponderosa pine. The sandy river bottom is continually moving, forming new channels and sandbars that benefit fish but cause headaches for property owners. MONTANA OUTDOORS
21