Sunrise Fly Shop-Big Hole River Blog

We are currently having some of the best streamer fishing we have seen in years for huge browns on the upper Big Hole.  It has been flat out amazing streamer fishing this week.  Large yellow streamers stripped fast off the banks has been getting the large Big Hole Browns attention.  We have been floating anywhere from Fishtrap all the way to Jerry Creek.  I had a solid report from Divide to Melrose yesterday on streamers.  Some Mother's Day Caddis are around and once we get a warm sunny day the caddis will pop hard.  These overcast cloudy days are keeping the fish interested in streamers.  With 2 feet of visibility the river is in great shape for mid May.    

One of the Many large browns caught this week on the Big Hole River fishing in Southwest Montana

The Big Hole River snowpack is sitting at about 95% of normal.  It is looking like an average water year but we still have a lot of winter storms that can hit the high country.  In the valley winter has been holding on with single digit lows this last week but more Spring like conditions are ahead of us this week.  Highs in the mid 40's to lower 50's and overnight lows in the 20's is a recipe for much better water temperatures.  By the weekend the Skwala nymph fishing should start to pick up as they will get more active with the warmer water.  We will keep you posted and remember it is not too late to book your Spring Special.

Here is a deal you can't pass up.  Come fish the Big Hole River Skwala hatch this April.  The Skwala hacth is the first hatch of the year and fish are looking up to eat dry flies.   

3 nights lodging / 2 days guided fishing for only $525   

4 nights lodging / 3 days fishing for only $775

read more about the Big Hole River Skwala hatch here

The Big Hole has bounced back from the last recent bump in flows.  We have 2 feet of visibility, dropping water and the fish are looking up for Skwalas.  Our best dry fly fishing has been from Maiden Rock all the way to Notch Bottom.   Look for your best dry fly action to be from 1:00 to 6:00pm.  This week will be prime time for the Big Hole Skwala hatch.  Slow moving streamers have also been getting it done for us.  The best streamers of choice have been Coffee buggers, Natural Slap and tickles and Yellow/black beldars.     

Image of a Big Hole River Skwala

The Beaverhead River has been fishing ok as of lately.  Remember the river is closed from the Dam to Pipe Organ until the 3^rd Saturday in May.   We have had some dry fly fishing on the overcast days with Blue winged Olives.  Sow bugs under an indicator with a blue wing nymph has been keeping our rods bent.  Below Grasshopper we have been able to move some nice fish on streamers. 

Client Alan Elm with a nice 20 inch brown on the Beaverhead. 

We have a bunch of good things happening in the Southwest Montana fly fishing community this week.  You don’t here that often when it is mid February in Montana.   Besides the good news that snow is forecasted to fall all week check out these three great things.

This Friday in Bozeman, the Fly Fishing Film Tour will be at the Emerson Cultural Center.   The show starts at 7:00 pm.  Check out there site to find a show near you.

Before the Fly Fishing Film Tour show we will be checking out the unleashing of the RO Nomad.  This is the new line of drift boats by RO.  We are excited to see the latest and greatest from the finest drift boats and skiffs in the Industry.   

Be sure to check out the new redesign of Anglers Tonic.  This is a great site by Greg Thomas that has all the latest fishing stories, drinks of the week, news in the industry and fishing destinations you can’t resist.

Don’t wait too late to plan your Big Hole River spring fishing  Special.  3nights & 2days of fishing for only $500 per person.