Big Hole River Fishing Report – 8.28.14 (by FishTales Outfitting LLC)
By angelamontana

Posted: August 28, 2014

(Report by Michael Stack FishTales Outfitting LLC)

FLOWS:

  • Maiden Rock 560 cfs
  • Melrose 650 cfs
  • Glen 751 cfs

fishfaceVISIBILITY: Clear at 3+ feet with the usual “tea color”

The Big Hole River has rolled off from a recent bump up to 900 cfs due to series of severe thunderstorms that dropped considerable precipitation. This type of fall rain event although brief, is fairly common this time of year and we love it when the fish get moved around a little from their low water holding lies. This has helped the rivers temps and its trout get back on the bite.

TACTICS AND PATTERNS:

DRY FLIES:

The dry fly fishing has been solid with Trico’s and Caddis in the am and hopper’s in the afternoon. There also Caddis and Drake like mayflies.

  • Try a spent Trico spinner or cluster pattern like a Griffith’s Gnat. Size #16-20.
  • The tried and true Purple Haze is tough to beat. Also try a Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Rusty Sparkle Dun. Size # 12-16.
  • Try a PMX in peacock or purple, Chubby Chernobyl (trimmed wing). Black Magic size #10-14.
  • Hopper patterns I like are the Morrish Hopper, Mcknight’s Sweetgrass Hopper, Schroeder’s Parachute Hopper, Dave’s Hopper, Clodhopper, Snoozeberry Hopper, Panty Dropper Hopper in tan , yellow and flesh size #8-12.

fishface2STREAMERS: The streamer bite has been good as well with morning’s and cloudy days being your best bet for consistent streamer action. My favored grip and strip method will get fish moving. If not a tight line or dead drift is worth giving a try. Concentrate on fast water and you’ll find the right fish!

  • Zonker’s in Olive, Natural/Copper, Natural/pearl or white size # 2-6, Sculpzilla JR in         Natural, or Olive. Black or Olive Crystal Buggers, or Olive Yuk Bug, Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow in size # 4-8.
  • Try dead drifting your streamer under an indicator if the fish aren’t willing to make chase.
  • Add a small nymph dropper to give the trout an option.
  • Try a Beadhead Pheasant Tail, Beadhead Prince or Copper John size #14-16.

Nfishface3YMPHING:

Nymphing with a two fly rig under a strike indicator is catching fish and once again fast water is your friend. Letting your flies swing at the end of your dead drift will bring strikes too.

  • Try a Pat’s Rubber Leg Stone in brown, tan, black or olive. Peacock Stone, George’s Rubber Leg Brown Stone, Chocolate Trout Retriever in size # 6-10.
  • Pheasant Tails, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tails, Prince Nymphs, Copper John’s, San Juan Worms in red, wine or size # 10-16 are all good second fly choices for nymphing.

For more information on the Big Hole River, Montana fly fishing and guided fishing trips on the Big Hole River please contact Fishtales Outfitting.

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