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Southwest Montana fly fishing finally has something positive to report. We have some valley temperatures above freezing. These warmer day time highs above freezing will start to get the ice off the lower Big Hole River. Right now we are still at winter flows and with the ice on the river you will not be able to get a boat down. On the warmer days some midge activity will be getting some fish looking up. Still your basic nymphing techniques of Pat’s Stones and San Juan worms in the tail out deep areas of the run will get you hooked up. If you are looking to wade fish I would recommend being where springs enter the river. Our Big Hole River fly shop is gearing up for a great Spring season and our Big Hole River guides are ready to get on the water.
the Big Hole Snowpack is looking very good. We are at 140% snow/water content and 115% of normal snowfall for this date in time.
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Shelf ice, and floating ice on the Big Hole, not a surprise since it is winter here. We have a good start to the snowpack. The upper Big Hole is reading 165% of normal. It is still early in the snow season but it is a good start. If you find the itch to get out this winter I would recommend finding the spring fed areas that stay ice free on the Big Hole. Midges will be out on damp, mild overcast days and nymphing a San Juan Worm and a #10 Pat’s Stone will get ’em.
Fall fishing has been solid. The fishing is definitely better on overcast days, but you can still find a fish or two on the bright sunny days. Slow stripping or dead drifting streamers and nymphing stone fly nymphs and San Juan worms have been the most successful techniques. Yellow and brown have been the color of choice for the streamers.