Cold temperatures are in the forecast for the rest of the week.  This past weekend we had one nice warm day that tempted people to get the dust off the boat.  High temperatures the rest of the week are in the 30's with some snow in the forecast.  The Big Hole is floatable from Melrose down stream.  Water temperatures are in the lower 30's and the trout are in their winter holes.  Nymphing the deep tail outs is going to be the best tactic right now.  Nymphs of choice are Pat's Stones in size #8 , San Juan Worms, and midges.  Our Big Hole River guides are ready for the Spring Skwala fishing in April.  When reports improve we will let you know. The ice is off the Glen gauge and we are recording a Big Hole River flow of 652 cfs in Glen.  

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.

Date:  1-Nov-2013

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.

For winter updates stay in touch with our blog.  

Files:

#16 Micro May Fly, #16 Flashback Pheasant Tail, #12 Pat's Stone Black #10 UV Chubby, #12 X Cadidis #12 Purple Haze #4 Pats Stone black, #8 San Juan Worm, #8 Prince Nymph, #8 pheasant tail, #10 Silver Lightning Bug #6 J.J. Special #6 Olive Beldar #6 Skiddish Smolt #4 Lil' Kim Copper #6 Yellow Zonker, #4 Yellow Yummy, #4 Coffey Bugger #4 Home invader Yellow/black/white #4 Bad Boy natural/yellow/olive

USGS Current Big Hole River Water Flows

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.

With night temps frequently falling into the mid 20's, there is no need to be on the water early.  Let the water warm up a bit before you start your day of fishing.

We will be closing for the season on 10/25/2013, so come fish the Big Hole before the season is officially over.

Files:

The Most Up to Date, Accurate Fly Fishing Report for The Big Hole River

Our Big Hole River Fishing Report will give you all the information you need to have a great day of fly fishing on this dynamic river with constantly changing conditions and hatches. If you are considering fly fishing in Southwest Montana, the Beaverhead River is a must, and the Sunrise Fly Shop is committed to providing the most accurate Beaverhead River Fishing Report.  

As the leading Big Hole River fly shop, fly fishing guide service and outfitter, our guides are on the river every day. You can count on us to provide you with the most accurate, up to date, and honest Big Hole River fishing report available.  Whether you are planning a Big Hole River fly fishing vacation or just need an escape from work, nobody keeps you more connected with Southwest Montana fly fishing conditions than the Sunrise Fly Shop.  Check back often to get the latest river information, including flies, weather and flows for the Big Hole River.

Click here for more information on fly fishing the Big Hole River, or Contact Us to plan your trip today!