Big Hole River Fly Fishing Report
Latest Big Hole River Reports
- Big Hole Fall Fishing Report
Fall is in full swing on the Big Hole River, and fishing has been great this week. Our Big Hole Fall fishing report comes straight from our guides that are on the water daily.
We are seeing our first Blue Winged Olives hatching alongside a few October Caddis, and hoppers are still active during the warmer afternoons. Nymphing has been consistent throughout the day, and the brown trout are actively feeding ahead of the fall spawn. Streamer fishing has also been productive using olive, black, and tan patterns. the foliage on the cottonwoods and willows are starting to peak in the Maiden Rock Canyon. It is a beautiful time of the year to get out and enjoy a float and do some trout fishing.
Recommended Flies:
- Flamethrower #16 (Tan/Peacock)
- Thread Frenchie #16
- Spanish Bullet #16 Olive
- Psycho Mayfly #16
- Chubby Chernobyl orange #12
- Split Wing Blue Winged Olive #16
- Rusty Trombone #6
- Lil Kim’ Tan #6
- Targeting Grayling on the Big Hole River
Targeting Grayling on the Big Hole River is something we get asked a lot at Sunrise Fly Shop. If you want the experience of catching the only native Arctic Grayling in the Lower 48 states, now is the time to start planning your trip! Early fall is an excellent time for wade anglers to find Arctic Grayling on the Big Hole River.
The Big Hole River during the fall boasts some of the best wade fishing in Southwest Montana. Going into fall season the lower flows make floating the upper sections troublesome, yet for the wade angler the river is wide open. The Grayling also become significantly more aggressive in the fall as the water temperatures start to drop.
A word of warning for the wade anglers, the rocks are notoriously slippery. The water levels being lower mean traversing them will be a lot easier, but it is recommended by our guides to use a wading staff to help. Felt soles also work well in the river, but please be responsible when using them to avoid the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species.
The longer nights and cooler temps helps the water stay safe for the fish in the fall season, this makes for a more active and healthy fish. Not to mention, these fish are hungry! The terrestrial bite on the Upper sections of the Big Hole River, and her tributaries are producing some excellent results. With miles of access upstream of Dickie Bridge, you will be able to find countless places to chase Grayling and their trout brethren.
Another option for Grayling, are the alpine lakes. Many of the surrounding lakes in the Big Hole Valley are teeming with Grayling. The Grayling found in these lakes come from the brood stock of the Big Hole River, not a hatchery. Making these fish wild and native. We make no promises about finding Grayling in the river. However, those that venture to the lakes will almost have a sure bet on finding them.
Since The Big Hole River is a freestone, conditions can change hourly. In order to give you the best opportunity to meet one of these rare fish, stop by our shop, and we can give you the latest information. Our hours are between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm , 7 days a week.
The expert staff at Sunrise Fly Shop can point you in the right direction and give you an idea of what the fish are keyed up on or actively eating. There are lot of river miles to cover here, and we know every one of them. Allow us to help make sure you have the best opportunity for Arctic Grayling in the Big Hole Valley this fall.
- Big Hole Restrictions Lifted
The Big Hole River Hoot Owl Fishing Restrictions have been lifted by FWP. Section 2,3,4 are all open to fishing with no restrictions. The shorter days and cooler weather have the fish healthy and feeding well. Our best fishing has been in the morning and early afternoons. We are seeing tricos, nocturnal stoneflies and plenty of hoppers. In the morning you will find some nice trout eating trico spinners. These fish are technical but catchable. In the afternoon we have been prospecting with Chernobyl ants and hoppers.
Next week, August 23rd & 24th we will be closed for our employee appreciation days. Normal hours will continue Tuesday August 25th. 7:30am – 3:00pm daily.
Recommended Flies:
- Plan B #8 Peacock
- Chubby Chernobyl #10 Olive
- Trico Spinner #16
- Pat’s Stone #10 Black/brown
- Spanish Bullet #16
