Bighorn River
Bitterroot River
Bitterroot River, East Fork
Bitterroot River, West Fork
Blackfoot River
Lower Clark Fork River
Clark Fork River
Middle Fork Flathead River
North Fork Flathead River
Flint Creek
Gallatin River
Georgetown Lake
Kootenai River
Madison River, Between Quake Lake and Ennis
Madison River, Below Ennis Lake
Missouri, Below Holter Dam
Rock Creek
Yellowstone River
Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby: |
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Big Hole Lodge |
Madison Valley Ranch |
The Tackle Shop Outfitters |
Water flow: 200 cfs
Visibility: 38 inches
Water temperature at mid-day: 34 Degrees F
Water condition: Clear
Best time of day to fish: 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Best stretch: Divide-Melrose
Best access point: Divide Divide
Fly fishing hatches in order of importance:
Midges, Leeches, Small Streamers
Fish species: Trout
Fishing season: Fall
Nearest airport: Butte
Recommended fly fishing leader: 9 Foot Leader
Recommended fly fishing tippet: 4X Tippet
Best fly fishing rod: 9' 6 Weight Fly Rod
Best floating fly line: Double Taper Trout Fly Line
Best sinking fly line: Bank Shot Sink Tip Fly Line
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 ...
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.
The weather forecast calls for highs in the 20's and sunny. Use caution and think safety in the icy river flows.