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With the Big Hole flowing at about 1000cfs in Melrose, water clarity of more than two feet, and forecasted highs in the low 60’s, this coming week should produce perfect spring fishing conditions. Since the snowstorm we had come through on the 15th, the top water Skwala fishing below the Divide FAS has slowed down compared to last week, but yesterday’s reports indicate that the March Brown fishing has really started to pick up.  Above Divide they are still hitting the Skwala pretty well, but with gauge at Wise River reading only 800cfs, the upper river is quite a bit skinnier than we usually see this time of year. When we dropping below the surface we have been throwing Pat’s Rubber Legs, San Juan Worms, and any large Mayfly attractor pattern (like a Copper John or a Pheasant Tail).

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We were hit with another rainstorm this week and it has brought the river up over 800cfs (325cfs  is the historical average at the Melrose gauge) and the surrounding mountains got a good dusting of fresh snow.  Even thought the river has jumped by so much, the river clarity is still very good.

Yesterday as the river was still rising at a rapid rate, the Big Hole fished really well.  Our guides had great success with San Juan Worms, Girdle Bugs, Chubby Chernobyls, and dark colored streamers.  I would expect the same again today and through the rest of the week

With cooler than average temperatures and precipitation in the forecast, you can expect the Big Hole to remain above average flows for quite some time.  If you have been avoiding the Big Hole because of concerns of low flows, grab your boat and get over here!

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The morning dry fly fishing on the Big Hole continues to be very good.  The fish are keyed in on Nocturnal Stones in the early morning hours, and then switching to PMDs once the mayfly hatch begins.  Once the morning hatch tapers off, switch to nymphing with an indicator and you should be able to stay consistently hooked up all afternoon.  The fish have been eating Girdle Bugs and PMD nymphs in the afternoons. 

Like most of the other locations in Southwest Montana, we have been dealing with slightly smoky skies for the past few days.  Luckily, because the smoke that is effecting the area is coming from so far away, we are not smelling any smoke in the air, we are just experiencing hazy skies.

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After the last six weeks of spectacular fishing, we have decided to start calling the Upper Big Hole “Jurassic Park”.  We can’t remember ever having a Big Fish year quite like this one.  In the last month, our clients have caught more fish over 23 inches than our clients caught all of last year.

The clarity at Mudd Creek is more than two feet, the water temperature is in the mid 50’s, and the big fish are still tight to the banks.  We are still slow stripping streamers or using a dry dropper with a San Juan Worm and having great success.

The lower Big Hole is still at flood stage, so we are recommending only floating the Upper Big Hole.  Regardless of where you float, please float with caution.

Below are two fish Graham Butler caught yesterday. What a way to wrap up a four day fishing trip on the Big Hole River. Jurassic Park!

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