Pre-runoff Fishing Heats Up on the Jefferson and Big Hole Rivers

Warming water temperatures and hatching insects, including bwo and skwala stoneflies, stir the trout from winter slumber. Slowly rising water levels move feeding fish close to the banks near structure and depth changes, which are prime targets for the streamer angler.

About the Fishing

This narrow window coincides with the start of the Mother’s Day Caddis hatch on the lower Madison and Yellowstone rivers. The rivers of western Montana also start to “blow out” as the snow begins to melt rapidly in the high country around now. Anglers across the state head to the Missouri River, while the Bozeman fly fishing crowds focus their efforts closer to home. The masses overlook the Big Hole and Jefferson rivers in late April.

Cold mornings and little angling pressure make for casual days during which both angler and guide can search for rising fish while streamer fishing between “headhunting” sessions.

The skwala hatch – sparse when compared to other big stonefly hatches – moves big brown trout from the deep water, making them accessible to dry fly anglers. Although feeding fish are seen sporadically, our Montana fishing guides use dry/dropper rigs to cover the best water near rip-rap and bankside structures. Explosive dry fly strikes from cutthroat, rainbow, and trophy brown trout reward the patient and persistent angler on these guided trips.

These floats can be long in miles, so we cover the “in-between” water by streamer fly fishing along the banks, depth changes, and around structure. Mixed-density sinking fly lines help the angler fishing here make quick work of prospecting the best runs. Both rainbow and brown trout aggressively chase a well-presented streamer during this early season window.

What to Expect

Anglers must be prepared for various weather conditions when fly fishing in Montana during the spring. Rain and snow are commonplace, but sunny skies and 75-degree days are also expected.

The Big Hole is one of the most famous western fly-fishing rivers, world-renowned for its salmonfly hatch and trophy brown trout. The river has received a lot of press and attention over the years as irrigation draws put an enormous strain on its trout every year. However, trout numbers are still good, there is very little angling pressure during the early season, and the scenery is spectacular.

The Jefferson River faces the same issues as the Big Hole and has long been known to produce quality trout in low numbers. River levels are generally ideal in mid-late April as the Ruby, Beaverhead, and Big Hole slowly rise with early-season snowmelt. The Jefferson River can be off-color but fishes well with a couple of feet of visibility and steady streamflow.

Both rivers “turn off” with rapid increases in streamflow from snowmelt surges or heavy rains, but their proximity to the Madison River allows us to pivot to Plan B when needed quickly.

Guests are advised to stay in Bozeman during the early season Montana fly fishing excursions to Southwest Montana. The daily drives are long, but our central location in Bozeman ensures access to more Montana rivers if the conditions on these two options deteriorate with rising water levels.

Air BNB rentals are available near Twin Bridge and Melrose, Montana. Our guests often opt for these options; our guides will meet you there if that’s your preference.

What to Bring

Waders and wading boots aren’t necessary, but they add warmth and comfort on cold, wet days, so common during the spring in Montana. We have gear for our guests to use during guided fishing trips, but it is always best to bring your own if you have it as proper fit is key to comfort during inclement weather. This is Skwala RS Wader and raincoat season!

A fast-action, 9’ 5 weight fly rod is perfect for dry fly fishing on the Big Hole or Jefferson River during the early season. Skwala dry fly imitations vary in sizes between 8-12, and a fast rod will help turn these large flies over in the wind or when we add a heavy dropper nymph. The Sage Igniter, St. Croix Evos, or Hardy Ultralight X are top picks for this style of fly fishing.

The G. Loomis NRX+ or St. Croix Evos in a 9-foot, 6-weight configuration with a fighting butt – are great streamer fly rods, ideal for early-season conditions. Pair these rods with a long-headed, sinking fly line like the RIO Elite Predator in the F/H/I density to effectively cover bank structure and deep runs where trout hold this time of year.

Packing lists and comprehensive gear lists for our Montana fly fishing trips are worth reviewing as you prepare for your early-season Montana fly fishing trip. Watch the weather near Dillon and Twin Bridges, Montana, packing accordingly.

Quality raingear, whether wading or floating, is essential this time of the year. Send us an e-mail for help finding the right fly fishing gear for your trip; we have been in the industry for over 25 years and are happy to point you in the right direction, whether that’s for purchasing online or from a local fly shop in your area.

Early-season fly fishing in Montana is no secret, but the experienced angler often overlooks it. Summertime fly fishing in Montana is a reliable option, but we often hear from guests who want to focus on catching a lot of fish, only fish dry flies, or go after big trout while streamer fly fishing in Montana. Pre-runoff guided trips to the Big Hole, and Jefferson focus on fishing dries and streamers as we look for larger fish more than numbers.

Check out our early season Madison and Missouri River early season trip recommendations if big numbers are your priority.

Fins and Feathers has been outfitting Montana fly fishing trips for over two decades throughout Big Sky country. Our guides are hard-working professionals who embrace the early season challenges, welcoming skilled anglers to improve their game while experiencing a different “vibe” than in the summertime. Contact us via e-mail or by calling us at 1-406-468-5019 to make a reservation or to start planning your early fly fishing vacation to Montana today.