The cooler weather over the weekend, combined with good precipitation has lifted fishing restrictions that were in place on the Big Hole, Beaverhead and Ruby rivers.
The Big Hole is now under normal regulations from Saginaw Bridge at Skinner Meadows down to the
Notch Bottom FAS. Additionally, the restrictions have been lifted on the Beaverhead from Anderson Ln to the confluence with the Big Hole, and on the Ruby from the Duncan District Rd to the confluence with Beaverhead.
The Big Hole is still under hoot-owl restrictions from Notch Bottom to the confluence with the Beaverhead.
Discharge at Maiden Rock
The river has come up about 300-350 cfs across the entire river. This may slow the fishing until the water stops rising, but we should enjoy the fresh water while we have it! Try using large cubbies (purple, tan or brown) with a lightning bug or copper john dropper. Small gray caddis (#16, #18), yellow sallies should work behind the larger dry fly. Additionally, if the wind is blowing try an ant pattern. The higher water may also provide a good opportunity to throw some streamers. Black wooly buggers with white or yellow rubber legs, JJ Specials and Olive/silver flash streamers would be a good place to start.