Big Hole River Journal

Warmer

al — Sat, 12 May 2012 15:00:11 +0000

: Avon Explorer $2500

Big Hole River 2610 cfs

That raft is a complete package which includes trailer (with new tires) rowing frame, oars, anchor system etc. just add water. This was a guide boat and is set up to be very comfortable. Give me a call or Andrew at 406-267-3351 (evenings)

The river is running pretty steady for now. Now for the good and bad news. Good news it should bring the caddis hatch off soon. Bad news is that it’s a real possibility it will blow the river out.

Yesterday we had a huge fish, I’m talkin close to 30 inches make a slash at Ed’s streamer. We both saw it and could not believe the size.

Ashley

al — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:21:07 +0000

: Ashley and brown trout

Big Hole River 2160 cfs

You might want to zoom in on this photo. Look closely at her lower left back. Yup that’s a brown trout and she is darn proud of it. She said it is not completely finished. There will also be a purple haze at the front of the fishes mouth. As soon as she can find somebody who can do a good purple haze. About a year ago she stopped in the shop for the first time. She was just starting fly fishinng. We set her up with some proven patterns and it must have worked big time. She was so impressed she had that tatoo done. She said what ever flies you suggest will be just fine with me. Now where the hell was she when I was a young man.

Going to be pretty cool tomorrow and maybe even some snow. Then a gradual warming all the way to next week.

The river came up just a little today and as warm as it got probably will rise a little tonight also. The cool weather tomorrow is actually a good thing.

Caddis can’t be too far especiallywith the warm weather next week.

Catchin Fish

al — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:54:37 +0000

Big Hole River 2070 cfs

The reason I have not posted a report the last few days is that I have been too busy catching fish. Then by the time I get home if it is getting late and encroaching on my cocktail hour?? Well there are certain priorities.

BS aside the fishing has been very goood. With the bright sun this morning I was concerned the streamer action would be a bust. To our surprise it was pretty good. Also I used all new patterns that have never been tested. We found two that worked great. One pattern is what many scoffed at.

Early afternoon we tried some top water action. There was nothing rising but we tried it anyway. We got good action on top for a couple hours and then it died. Actually late in the day the streamer fishing died also.

Breezy tomorrow and cooler Thursday.

Awesome

al — Fri, 04 May 2012 16:55:45 +0000

Big Hole River 2810 cfs—Maidenrock

Awesome is the word that best describes the fishing yesterday. It started out slow, Imean real slow. We never touched a fish for the first hour and I was starting to wonder if we should not go to the dark side. Then it was if the switch was turned on and the action started and continued for the rest of the day.

Bob had just bought a nine and half foot 7wt Scott rod from me and we had tanden streamers tied on. It handled them like a dream.

We caught a couple browns right at 20 inches, broke off a really big one and got several 16 to 18 inches. Could have had some nice pics if I had remembered the camera. Also of a goose who was perched up on this cliff, He thought he was an eagle. Cool forecast for Sat. and Sun. much nicer next week.

Almost forgot, there were also lots of baetis and march browns hatching but the cool breeze kept the fish from turning on to them. We did get a nice grayling on top.

Cool Temps

al — Wed, 02 May 2012 23:31:59 +0000

: Avon Redshank—–raft, frame and seats, $950

Big Hole River 3450 cfs—Maidenrock

If you are interested in the raft above, give me a call 406-267-3346.

As you can see in the photo it’s in excellent condition.

Last couple days have been very cool with scattered snow and rain and wind. However the river is getting better and better every day. Some friends went way up yesterday, above Squaw Ck. and did that section. They said it was relatively slow. I think it’s a little early for good fishing up that high. These unsettled conditions are forecast through the weekend.

My buddy Doug was floating in the Jerry Ck. Dewey area today and doing fairly well. All on streamers of course. I tried to get him to try a new nypmh I tied but he would have nothing to do with it.

Kambich Pond

al — Tue, 01 May 2012 01:16:01 +0000

: Kambich Pond

Big Hole River 4340 cfs—Maidenrock

Kambich pond is located about two miles south of Divide right at the base of Goat Mt. It is more like a small lake than a pond as it’s about 15 acres in size. It holds browns, brook and some really big kamloops. It is owned by the Divide-Kambich ranch. It is very close to the river so it gets the same hatches as the river. It can be lots of fun for a few hours, after that it gets a bit boring, at least for me. You can book a guided trip on it or book it and fish on your own. Give me a call if interested.

The river continues to drop and visibility getting better. Weather for this week is for cool cloudy rainy conditions. Perfect for streamers and buggers.

Dropping

al — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 01:25:08 +0000

Eagle on Kambich pond

Big Hole River 5350 cfs and dropping

I think I missed my prediction by a day or two. At 6220 on Friday was the high. Now it all depends on the weather next month to see if it exceeds that flow. Be interesting to say the least.

For the near future it looks great. The river is dropping fairly quickly and visibility is improving and nearing two feet. That means launch your boat and see what happens.

I had a couple calls regarding wade fishing now. That’s pretty much out of the question with this flow. There is some BLM land upriver by upper and lower Sawlog where access is fairly easy and you don’t need to get in the river. Just walk along the grassy banks.

Predictions

al — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:17:11 +0000

West Goat Peak as the storms roll in

Big Hole River 4820 cfs—-Maidenrock

So far I think the predictions are way off this year. How about this one? Peak flow on April 29th at 6100 cfs. You think I’m nuts?? maybe. Stay tuned to see what happens.

Obviously the river is blown out. Much cooler temps and snow forecast for tomorrow.

Peak Flow

al — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:18:54 +0000

Big Hole River 3180 cfs—Maidenrock

With this unseasonal warm weather last couple days the river will take a few days to get back in shape. Forecast is for much colder toward the end of the week.

I don’t think it is too early to start predicting the peak flow for this year. This will be a real challenge this year. Last year we knew it would be late with all the snow and cold spring. This year is anybody’s guess. Last year’s winner was Holly Asmuth. So start sending me your predictions and I will post them in the shop.

Today I took a drive up to Squaw Ck. bridge—-excuse me, I mean Mud Ck. bridge. Visibility up there is no better than down here. All the creeks coming in up there are fairly clear. Wise River is up a bit but not dirty.

That Hyd

just add water

e drift boat is in great shape as well as the trailer.

15 foot Hyde drift boat----$3500

Up And Down

al — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 23:04:02 +0000

A happy fisherperson. Courtesy of Erik

Big Hole River 2190 cfs—-Maidenrock

With this warm weather the river for the most part is on the rise. It is still fishing, just not very good. Visibility is still about two feet.

With the temp today in the mid 70′s there were plenty of pleasure boats. It’s a long winter here in Montana (even though I would not know any more) and folks are ready to get out in the warm sun.

Looks like it’s going to cool back down during the week. Will just have to wait and see what the river does. I gave up on predicting flows.