As predicted, the big-water year has produced great fishing throughout all our river systems, sustaining strong dry-fly action on many rivers well into the season. One of those rivers continues to be the Big Hole.

We have made a number of trips recently to the Big Hole River, and the storied waters have been stellar every time.

Our most recent trip was with a wonderful family from Utah. Mom, dad, son and daughter all had a wonderful time floating through the breath-taking scenery; and, of course, the fishing was great. Eager fish rose to dry flies all day, giving consistent action for the happy anglers. The choice of the day was Spruce Moths, with a variety of patterns working. As was the case on other recent days, there was a strong Mayfly hatch early in the day, with a more modest one later in the afternoon, making standard patterns like the Parachute Adams and Purple Haze excellent choices, especially in size 16. A small caddis hatch in the late afternoon also had fish taking #18 Delectable CDC Caddis.

At one point on the most recent trip, father and son in Dan’s boat caught four species of fish within a 100-yard stretch of the river. During a trip a few days earlier, I had a client catch six species of fish during the course of the day.

There are many things in my life that I am thankful for, and the Big Hole River is one of them. It’s a wonderful, special place.

CLEARING SKIES, GREAT FISHING

The drive over to the Big Hole on Friday was dark and stormy, with some rather ominous weather lurking ahead of us. Though concerned, we pressed on over the hill. The weather hadn’t changed when we arrived at Great Divide Outfitters, so we took advantage of the shelter of the fly shop to put on our waders and rain jackets, and headed to the river.

It was the right decision.

When we got to the launch, the clouds were still hanging low, dark and heavy; but the rain had stopped. It was chilly, in the low 50s, but not unpleasant. By the time we had rigged our gear and got the raft in the river, the clouds were looking less threatening. Within the first half-hour of the float, there were patches of clearing sky, and we were greeted by full sunshine within an hour.

But this isn’t a weather report, it’s about the fishing.

From the get-go, the bite was on. We were fishing nymphs, and at first, the majority of catches were big, strong whitefish, with the occasional trout mixed in. But the trend soon turned, with only trout coming to the net … One after another after another …

A variety of small nymphs produced fish, including Delektable Little Spankers in silver, red and pheasant tail; Copper Johns in copper and red; Lightning Bugs; Micro Mayflies in olive and brown, Bead Head Pheasant Tail Tungsten Flash Bugs; and Tungsten Studly Nymphs in olive; all in size 14 and 16. But the real kicker, which brought in nearly all the better trout, was Pat’s Rubberlegs, in black, and large; size 6 and 4.

Get out and fish!

The fishing and flows have been fabulous over the last two weeks. August is looking good, still have PMD’s, Caddis, Hoppers, and the hope of Big Time Spruce Moth action. Water temps and flows are the best I’ve seen since the late 90’s. I know I’ll be fishing on the Big Hole August, September, and October this year.

Dan

September 23, 2010

On Thursday, I enjoyed a day of fishing on the famous Big Hole River with my fishing partner and buddy Steve. We were led by my friend and Beartooth guide Marty.

As is usually the case this time of year, the water in the Big Hole was low, but that made for good dry fly fishing. I was fishing my normal double bead-head nymph rig, while my partner threw a double dry-fly rig all day.

The two first fish I caught were Whitefish and, ironically, they were the only whites I caught all day. The rest of the day was about Brown Trout and Rainbows for both of us, with the bigger trout taking Steve’s dry flies.

It was another great day of fishing in Montana.

Grandpa