Big Hole River, Montana Fly Fishing Reports & Conditions
Fly Fishing Map of Big Hole River, MT
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Big Hole River, Montana Fly Fishing Reports & Conditions
My tips of the week
Leaders are probably the most overlooked pieces of equipment that we use on the trout stream. A finely tapered leader either knotless or knotted will turn your fly over with ease assuming you make a good cast and match the right sized tippet with the fly you're fishing. For example you'd use a 3x tippet if you're fishing #10 hoppers in the wind, or you'd use a 6x tippet fishing a #20 baetis imitation in a slow pool. What wouldn't work would be a 5x tippet attached to a #12 Royal Wulff. Another mistake many fly fishers make is using a leader that has been snipped off numerous times during the day adding new tippet to the point where the taper on the leader has been compromised. When this happens, the fly doesn't land where its intended to, and you spend a critical moment or two searching for your fly on the water and inviting a missed strike. Use a well tapered leader each time you step in the water.
Fishing Conditions

Fly Fishing Big Hole River is currently Good

Water flow: 900 cfs

Visibility: 38 inches

Water temperature at mid-day: 60 Degrees F

Water condition: Clear

Best time of day to fish: 7:00PM-3:00 PM

Best stretch: Melrose-Notch Bottom

Best access point: Divide Divide

Fly fishing hatches in order of importance:

Yellow Sallies, PMD's, Caddis

Fish species: Trout

Fishing season: Summer

Nearest airport: Butte

Big Hole River Description

From its headwaters near Jackson, the Big Hole meanders 150 miles to its confluence with the Ruby and Beaverhead which form the Jefferson River. It is a river rich not only in historical importance, but also in its ability to produce wild trout- and large ones at that. In certain sections of the river, there are approximately 3,500 trout per mile with a substantial percentage in the 18-20" class. The renowned ...

Techniques & Tips

The reach cast will pay dividends meaning accomplishing your mend in the air as opposed to on the water when crossing the current. Imagine painting a canvas starting at the upper right hand corner and brushing your stroke down to the bottom left corner with one sweep. This is a smooth one step cast rather than a forward stroke and then a rod tip movement upstream which defeats your purpose. Start your fly at the target then smoothly bring the tip of the rod upstream in one movement.

7-Day Forecast

The weather forecast calls for highs in the 20's and sunny. Use caution and think safety in the icy river flows.


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