We are in a bit of a heat wave in Southwest Montana. The good news is that the Big Hole has been fishing well from around 7:00 am to 2:00pm. The flows have remained great for this time of year; the Melrose gauge is currently 830 cfs. We have hatches of Tricos, Caddis and nocturnal stoneflies. Dry-dropper set ups have been working well and dragging streamers in the riffles has produced very nice fish. When focusing on placement, look for the three- to four-foot sections of riffle chop. Make sure to carry a thermometer out there. You will notice a steep drop in fishing when the water temperature hits 68 degrees. We suggest hanging the rods up when the water temperature exceeds 68 degrees. The fish around Melrose are starting to key into hoppers in the afternoon hours. We suggest small #10 chernobyl ants.
From Dickey Bridge down to Notch bottom is open with NO restrictions. Hoot Owl restrictions are on Section I,2 and 5 of the Big Hole. From Saginaw Bridge to Dickey Bridge is under Hoot Owl Restrictions. Section 5 from Tony Shoonen Access down to the Beaverhead River confluence is also on Hoot Owl Restrictions. Please call us if you have any questions, as these restrictions can be confusing.
Recommended Flies:
- Chubby Chernobyl tan #8
- Brindle Chute #14
- Purple haze #16
- Plan B #10
- Chernobyl Ant #10 Flesh
- Pat’s Stone #10 Brown/black
- Spanish bullet #14
- Jig Hot Spot #16
- Flamethrower #16 tan
