Dry Fly Fishing Season

Big Hole River

With the start of the Mother’s Day Caddis hatch, dry fly fishing season on the Big Hole River has begun. The hatch, which was seen in the Maiden Rock area on May 29th, is late this year. Spring was slow to come to the northern Rockies due to cool temperatures and lingering winter.

Even with the cool and wet weather, spring fishing on the Big Hole has produced days of great fishing for big brown trout. Craig Jones of Great Divide Outfitters reports a day of poor weather and good fishing with sizeable browns up to 24″ caught. Sunrise Fly Shop’s Facebook page has photo after photo of nice trout caught during our wet spring.

Great Snowpack, Great Summer Flows

There is plenty of snow in the Jefferson River watershed. As of May 31, snowpack sits at 110-129% of normal for the date. We can expect snow in the high elevations to provide good water conditions for much of the summer.

The Hatches

For now, Caddis and Blue Winged Olives will be the main event on the river. Soon the famous Salmonfly hatch will begin. It is a thrill to catch trout on a size 2-6 dry fly! Next up are the Golden Stones – another large stonefly that offers great top-water action through the end of June and into the first of July. The summer hatches continue into September.

Dry Fly Patterns

Planning a visit to the Silver Bow Club to fish the Big Hole River? Pack some Elk Hair Caddis, Blue Winged Olives, Orange and Yellow Stimulators, Pale Morning Duns, along with emergers and nymphs. Check our Hatch Chart or give us a call for recommendations for your dates.