The wait is over—fishing season on the Big Hole River opens April 1, and we couldn’t be more excited! With strong fish populations, healthy snowpack, and prime early-season conditions, 2025 is shaping up to be an excellent year for fly fishing on this legendary Montana river.
Big Hole River Fishing Outlook
Recent surveys indicate solid trout numbers, with plenty of healthy brown trout and rainbow trout spread throughout the system. This, combined with a good snowpack feeding the headwaters, should provide ideal flows and cold, oxygen-rich water well into the summer.
In the early season, midges, skwala stoneflies, and blue-winged olives will be the primary hatches, offering some fantastic dry fly fishing opportunities when conditions align. Nymphing and streamer fishing will also be productive, especially on those cooler spring days when fish are hugging the bottom.
Check out the most recent fishing reports here: https://www.thestonefly.com/pages/fishing-reports?srsltid=AfmBOooqi5QsEkfb7GIaeyRVwk1DWAV8sPbacPuoHPZcKBm7t1OY2WJg
Gear Up for the Big Hole River Opener
Spring in southwest Montana can be unpredictable, so having the right gear is key. Here are a few must-haves for the start of the season, all available at The StoneFly:
• Simms Guide Classic Waders & Jacket – Stay dry and comfortable in variable spring weather.
• Scott Centric Fly Rod – The perfect blend of power and precision for throwing nymph rigs or streamers.
• Ross Animas Reel – Reliable drag and smooth performance for fighting strong early-season trout.
• Scientific Anglers Amplitude Sonar Titan Long – Ideal for delivering big streamers to hungry brown trout in high water.
Plan Your Big Hole River Fishing Trip
With prime conditions and excellent fish numbers, now is the time to plan your first Big Hole River outing of the season. Whether you’re wading or floating, April on the Big Hole offers some of the best fishing of the year before the runoff kicks in.
Need help getting dialed in? Stop by The StoneFly in Butte, Montana, for the latest Big Hole River fishing reports, expert advice, and top-quality gear to make the most of the opener.
Tight lines, and we’ll see you on the river!
