If you’re planning to hit Montana’s Big Hole River right now, your alarm clock is about to become your best friend.
With water temperatures hovering around a balmy 68°F and flows on the decline, Orvis reported on July 21, 2026 that the midday sun isn’t doing you or the trout any favors. In fact, sections 1 and 5 are already under “hoot owl” restrictions (meaning no fishing during the hottest part of the day).
To beat the conditions, Craig Fellin Outfitters & Big Hole Lodge provided the Tip of the Week in the Orvis fishing report, offering crucial advice on timing and fish etiquette:
“As water temperatures continue to rise on the river, plan to get out earlier in the mornings and get your fishing in before the afternoon heat. Focus on fishing deeper pools and keep fish wet when handling them!”
As for what’s on the menu? The early summer PMDs (Pale Morning Duns) and Yellow Sallys are starting to fizzle out, but don’t pack up your dry fly boxes just yet. The blazing daytime temps mean Tricos and terrestrial fishing (think grasshoppers and ants) are right around the corner.
For the best action from the headwaters down to the twin confluences, stick to a dry-dropper setup or straight dry fly fishing in those deeper, cooler pools.
Set that alarm, protect the fish, and enjoy having the river to yourself while the late-sleepers are still pouring their first cup of coffee.
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