Boulder River - Big Timber - Montana
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Boulder River – Big Timber - Water Flow Chart
Boulder River – Big Timber - Weather report & radar
Boulder River – Big Timber - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | 18 to 20 | Zebra Midge, Griffin’s Gnat |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | 18 to 20 | Zebra Midge, Brassie |
| March | Midges, Blue Winged Olives | Mid-day | 16 to 20 | Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Adams |
| April | Midges, Blue Winged Olives, Skwala Stonefly | Mid-day | 14 to 20 | Skwala Stone, Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| May | Caddis, Blue Winged Olives, Stoneflies | Afternoon and Evening | 10 to 18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| June | Salmonflies, PMD, Caddis | Morning and Evening | 6 to 16 | Rogue Foam Salmonfly, Parachute PMD, Elk Hair Caddis |
| July | PMD, Yellow Sally, Caddis | Morning and Evening | 14 to 18 | Yellow Sally, Parachute PMD, Elk Hair Caddis |
| August | Terrestrials , Tricos | Mid-day | 16 to 20 | Amy’s Ant, Trico Spinner, Hopper patterns |
| September | Terrestrials, Blue Winged Olives | Mid-day | 14 to 18 | BWO Comparadun, Stimulator, Hopper patterns |
| October | Blue Winged Olives, Midges | Afternoon | 18 to 22 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, Zebra Midge, BWO Comparadun |
| November | Midges, Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 18 to 22 | Zebra Midge, BWO Comparadun, Parachute Adams |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | 18 to 22 | Zebra Midge, Adams, Brassie |
Boulder River – Big Timber Access Points
Fly fishing enthusiasts looking to cast their lines into the Boulder River in Big Timber have several highly recommended access points:
- Headwaters area at Natural Bridge Provincial Park: The river source provides crystal clear waters, perfect for catching trout. Access is via a short walking trail.
- Boulder River Wildlife Management Area (WMA): Located downstream of the headwaters, the WMA offers 1.3 miles of the river open to public fishing.
- Fourmile Campground: Further downstream, this campground gives anglers easy access to the Boulder River. It’s open from May to September.
- Along Boulder Road: This stretch of road pairs well with a float tube or inflatable kayak, giving multiple spots to cast a line.
- McLeod Bridge Access: Below Big Timber, this access point allows for fly fishing in deeper parts of the Boulder River.
Boulder River – Big Timber Fishing Spots
The Boulder River in Big Timber boasts a variety of excellent spots for fly fishing, meeting the preferences of both novice and seasoned anglers:
- Big Timber Creek: Known for heavy, fast-flowing waters and a bounty of trout.
- Fourmile Campground: Provides easy access to the river, angler-friendly banks, and deeper pools stocked with fish.
- Natural Bridge Falls: Downstream of the falls, the river carries an abundance of rainbow and brown trout.
- East and West Boulder: Tributaries of the river proper, these areas offer serene fly fishing spots with striking scenery.
- Boulder Valley Ranch: Private, but it grants fishing access with permission or a small fee. This fish habitat is well-regulated, resulting in a high quality fishing experience.
Always remember to respect the regulations and the local wildlife during your fishing adventure.
Boulder River – Big Timber Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout
- Rainbow Trout
- Brook Trout
- Whitefish
- Yellow Perch
- Northern Pike
- Walleye
- Smallmouth Bass
About the Boulder River – Big Timber
The Boulder River – a delightfully charming spot located near Big Timber, the seat of Sweet Grass County, Montana. Originating from the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness, this tributary of the Yellowstone River spreads over 60 miles, boasting scenic trails, picturesque views, and rich biodiversity along its way.
- History: Named by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 1800s, the Boulder River has been a hub for farming and ranching activities, with Big Timber serving as a prosperous wool shipping point in the 1880s. Through the years, it evolved into a vibrant recreational spot.
- Fauna and Flora: Housing an array of animal species, it’s heaven for bird-watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Plus, it’s a lush green sanctuary, teeming with unique plants and flowers.
- Fishing and Other Activities: From kayaking, rafting to fishing, it offers thrilling sporting adventures. A well-known spot for fly-fishing, it’s home to Rainbow, Brown, and Cutthroat trouts.
The Boulder River – Big Timber is truly a nature’s masterpiece, combining vibrant history with breathtaking beauty.
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