Early Fall is here on the Big Hole River

The Big Hole is shifting into early fall, with cooler weather settling in, the mornings feel refreshing, and the river has a peaceful quiet to it. Streamflows are low but holding steady, and the river is still floatable from Jerry Creek to Notch Bottom.

There are only two weeks left in the Big Hole season (the river closes to angling on October 1, from Dickie Bridge downstream to the mouth), take advantage while you have the chance! The river is not giving away fish everywhere, but it is still fishing well for anglers who match the conditions. The dry-dropper rig has been our most effective method over the past week, with a few trout rising up to a grasshopper, but most eating a nymph. We have also had a little bit of luck using streamers, especially if there are some clouds hanging around. As the browns move closer to spawning season, we expect to see them chasing the streamer more aggressively.

Cooler weather is helping the river settle into fall -- what to expect?

The biggest change right now is the weather. Cooler nights are doing the river a favor (we had a low of 26 degrees in Wise River last night). After the heat and stress of late summer, early fall brings more stable water temperatures and a better daily rhythm for trout.

Mornings can start slow, especially after a cold night. Fish may not move much until the sun has been on the water for a while. By late morning and early afternoon, activity usually picks up. On cloudier days, that window can stretch longer. The cooler weather also changes how the river feels. It is less about racing to beat the heat and more about reading each piece of water. Fish are still feeding, but they are not always spread across the obvious summer lanes.

Fall also brings spawning behavior for brown trout. Avoid walking on clean gravel where fish may be spawning or where redds are present. If you see trout paired up in shallow gravel, leave them alone and move on. There are plenty of other fish to target in feeding water.

Expect cold starts and better activity as the day warms. Expect clear water and spooky trout. Expect dry fly windows that appear and disappear quickly. Expect nymphing to carry the slower stretches. Expect streamers to be a real option when clouds, shade, or chop give fish cover.

Fall is one of our favorite seasons in the Big Hole, and can be the most satisfying times to fish it. A lot of anglers have left the river bottoms, and are in the hills chasing down bugling elk. The cottonwoods are turning, the crowds are thinner, and the pace feels different.

Pick your days, fish carefully, and enjoy what is left. These last fall windows do not last long.

Andros Island is around the corner!

We are well into the planning stages for our annual migration to Andros Island to chase bonefish and warmer weather. Head on over to our Andros Island page for more information! Our current date range is February 13 to March 20. We can accomodate 6-8 anglers per week, and are happy to customize trips as needed. Many folks enjoy having an off day to explore the island, or to take a day to try some DIY wade fishing. Let us know how we can help!