742 | Saving the Big Hole River with Brian Wheeler: Trout Declines, Water Quality & Conservation Efforts

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

#742 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/742

Presented by: On DeMark Lodge

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

In this episode, we’re headed to one of Montana’s most iconic rivers — the Big Hole River. Known as one of the last strongholds for Arctic grayling and a key tributary of the Missouri River, the Big Hole is facing some serious challenges. Brian Wheeler, Executive Director of the Big Hole River Foundation, joins us to talk about declining trout populations, water quality concerns, and what’s being done to turn things around.

Brian breaks down the science behind their five-year water quality monitoring project, explains how nutrient pollution and dissolved oxygen levels are impacting the river, and shares why honest, transparent data is key to protecting this watershed for future generations. We also get a peek into Brian’s adventures guiding on the Big Hole and running rivers like the Grand Canyon and the Middle Fork of the Salmon.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/742