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The Boulder River near Big Timber and half way to Billings is slowly on the rise but with the cold weather in the forecast, things will most likely drop and clear again. The Boulder River is a viable option until snowmelt runoff commences in earnest sometime in May. Fishing is still good but requires a stealthier approach and a decent cast to get to fish before they see you. Nymphing smaller patterns can be productive, but dedicated streamer anglers might be able to entice a few fish from the depths of the longer runs and deeper holes.
If you do fish the Boulder River right now lengthen your leader and drop down a few tippet sizes for the best success. Even though the fish on the Boulder River are not pressured, fishing right now can be lot more technical when compared to other rivers in the area and more technical than one would think right now. The good news is that fish are in deeper water where they aren’t as nervous. This is a cold fishery so the best fishing has been in the afternoons. Baetis will start to produce in the coming weeks, but are just showing up.
Be sure to read our latest blog post on how to choose the best leader for fishing for trout: Choose the Correct Leader and Catch More Fish.
The Month Ahead:
The Boulder runs off a bit later than the Yellowstone because of the high elevation snowpack and the fishing should be good until then. Both nymphing and dries over the baetis hatch will be productive.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Boulder will become a good option after runoff in the summer months. The colder water also makes it a nice option later in the summer when other fisheries are getting warm.