October Caddis Came Early to the Party on the Big Hole

Fall has officially taken over on the Big Hole, and, according to Sunrise Fly Shop’s September 15, 2026 report, the river is serving up a pretty sweet mixed menu. Blue Winged Olives are beginning to pop, October Caddis are making appearances, and hoppers aren’t exactly aware that summer is over, especially when the afternoon warms up.

Nymphs are keeping rods bent throughout the day, while olive, black, and tan streamers are tempting brown trout that are feeding aggressively ahead of the fall spawn. Add cottonwoods and willows flashing their fall colors through Maiden Rock Canyon, and this is one of those rare windows when the scenery might actually compete with the fishing!

Sunrise Fly Shop is located at 472 Main Street, Melrose, MT 59743, and can be reached at (406) 835-3474.

Tight lines!

^{(Yes, the image is A I)}