Fishing Season: Summer

Big Hole River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

70

Craig Fellin Outfitters & Big Hole Lodge's Tip of the Week

Leaders are probably the most overlooked pieces of equipment that we use on the trout stream. A finely tapered leader either knotless or knotted will turn your fly over with ease assuming you make a good cast and match the right sized tippet with the fly you're fishing. For example you'd use a 3x tippet if you're fishing #10 hoppers in the wind, or you'd use a 6x tippet fishing a #20 baetis imitation in a slow pool. What wouldn't work would be a 5x tippet attached to a #12 Royal Wulff. Another mistake many fly fishers make is using a leader that has been snipped off numerous times during the day adding new tippet to the point where the taper on the leader has been compromised. When this happens, the fly doesn't land where its intended to, and you spend a critical moment or two searching for your fly on the water and inviting a missed strike. Use a well tapered leader each time you step in the water. Be aware of COVID-19 restrictions.

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Map of Big Hole River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Big Hole Lodge Madison Valley Ranch The Tackle Shop Outfitters

5-Day Outlook as of 9/21/21

The weather forecast calls for highs in the 40’s and sunny. Use caution and think safety in the icy river flows. Be Aware of the COVID-19 restrictions. Call us to find out what the rules are in our area.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/21/21

The reach cast will pay dividends meaning accomplishing your mend in the air as opposed to on the water when crossing the current. Imagine painting a canvas starting at the upper right hand corner and brushing your stroke down to the bottom left corner with one sweep. This is a smooth one step cast rather than a forward stroke and then a rod tip movement upstream which defeats your purpose. Start your fly at the target then smoothly bring the tip of the rod upstream in one movement.

Current Conditions as of 9/21/21

The weather forecast calls for highs in the 40’s and sunny. Use caution and think safety in the icy river flows. Be Aware of the COVID-19 restrictions. Call us to find out what the rules are in our area.

Local Species Available Summer

  • Fish Icon

    Trout

Craig Fellin Outfitters & Big Hole Lodge's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Big Sky Salmon Fly Orange #4-6
Bead Head Stonefly Black #4-6
Tunghead Stonefly Black #4-6
Elk Wing Caddis Tan #14-16
Domagala Streamer Olive #6
Rogue River Salmon Orange #4-8
Yellow Sally Tan #14-16
Bead Head Prince Brown #8-14
Flexi-Girdle Bug Brown #4-8
Peperroni Yuk Bug Black/org #4-8

Big Sky Salmon Fly

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Item #3R8E

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Craig Fellin Outfitters & Big Hole Lodge's Recommended Gear

Description: About Big Hole River

From its headwaters near Jackson, the Big Hole meanders 150 miles to its confluence with the Ruby and Beaverhead which form the Jefferson River. It is a river rich not only in historical importance, but also in its ability to produce wild trout- and large ones at that. In certain sections of the river, there are approximately 3,500 trout per mile with a substantial percentage in the 18-20" class. The renowned beauty of the river with its towering peaks of more than 10,000 ft. upstream of Dickey Bridge and secluded Maiden Rock Canyon makes this more than just a famous trout fishery. The Big Hole is really a special place, and as you float by a stretch like the Ralston Ranch above Wise River, you can almost picture the stagecoach stop the family operated in 1910 and the teams of horses that fed and rested there. Where else can you have the chance to catch a brown, rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout along with a grayling all in one day?

Nearest Airport:

Butte

Hatches:

Tricos, hoppers, ants

Best Time to Fish:

11:00 AM - 4 PM

Best Stretch:

Divide-Maiden Rock

Best Access:

Melrose