Fly Fishing Montana. Brian Grossenbacher

       Big Hole River

      Lewis and Clark referred to it as the “Wisdom,” but the name “Big Hole,” coined by early trappers and settlers in reference to the high elevation valley through which the river flows, stuck, and that is how we have come to know one of the most beautiful trout streams in the state of Montana. The Big Hole flows freely without dams for 115 miles to its confluence with the Beaverhead, and eventually the Ruby, to form the Jefferson around mile 153. The Big Hole begins its serpentine course across western Montana high in the Beaverhead Mountains at Skinner Lake. The upper section of the Big Hole is easily wadeable with several access points at county road crossings and federal and state maintained fishing access sites. From Jackson to the town of Wisdom, the river braids and turns through rich pasture land, and thick willow banks. Downstream from Wisdom, the river opens generously, inviting both the wading angler as well as float fisherman. The upper section of the Big Hole hosts cutthroat, rainbow, brook trout and most notably, is home to the last remaining native population of fluvial (river dwelling) Arctic grayling in the lower 48.

      Throughout its course, the Big Hole is steadily enhanced from feeder streams and at the junction of Wise River matures into a large trout river. Drift boat fishing is possible through early summer, though rafts are suggested by mid to late summer. Arguably, the best fishing on the Big Hole is found from Wise River to Glen. However, no one will dispute that this section also receives the most attention from anglers. Downstream from Wise River the Big Hole bounds over boulders and thunders through tight canyon walls from Dewey to Maiden Rock and it gradually opens again into broad pasture land around Melrose. This middle section is primarily a brown trout fishery with smaller numbers of rainbows. Access is plentiful via Highway 43 to Divide, and from the frontage road off I-15 between Divide and Glen. Below Divide the river is best fished from a drift boat or raft due to its difficult wading, shallow boulders, and isolated corridor through private land.

      The final section of the Big Hole, from Glen to the confluence of the Beaverhead, parts ways with Interstate 15 and journeys off the beaten path. The river opens and slows as it makes its final northeast turn. This section is also best fished from a boat or raft as access is limited to Glen, Notch Bottom, Pennington Bridge, and High Road, all along Burma Road on the route to Twin Bridges. Although the fish count drops, the float down to Pennington Bridge is another guide favorite due to the trophy browns awaiting the patient angler, especially those fishing large nymphs and streamers. While the neighboring Beaverhead River is famous for its trophy trout, local guides often claim that year after year they take their largest fish of the summer out of the Big Hole.

      Even though the Big Hole flows through sparsely-populated ranch land, it is one of the heavier fished rivers in the state, and has recently received experimental regulations governing outfitters and out-of-state anglers. The regulations are at best controversial and have many an outfitter up in arms. The regulations restrict non-resident and commercial use float fishing to six days a week, with one stretch of river out of seven closed each day. Wade fishing is still allowed on these days. To ensure you follow the rules, contact http://fwp.state.mt.us/fishing/regulations or call (406) 994-4042.