At the confluence of the Wise River, a cold mountain stream, is the small town of Wise River, Montana. When compared to many of Montana’s Blue Ribbon fisheries, you won’t see the same level of crowding on either the Big Hole or Beaverhead Rivers. The Big Hole River is a free-flowing, undammed river that flows for 153 miles before joining the Beaverhead and Ruby to form the Jefferson River in Twin Bridges, Montana. A stable river flow is much more conducive to fishing than one that is rising a falling. #4 Big Creek #5 Saddlers Creek #6 Priest River Park/Mudd Hole Caution! Rainbow and browns are the predominant catch in this faster-moving stretch. Home to the last naturally occurring fluvial Arctic Grayling in the lower 48 states, the river irrigates meadow for ranchers and provides amazing angling opportunities. Downstream from the ranch the craggy cliffs of Maiden Rock Canyon rise from the valley floor. Proudly Working with Montana Outfitters The Big Hole River flows 188 miles from its source to its confluence with the Beaverhead River. There are numerous floating restrictions in effect for the Big Hole, check with a local outfitter before floating. The general season runs from the third Saturday in May through November 30. 0.0 Put-in at mouth of Turkey Creek on county road running north from Bonne Terre, parallel to Missouri Illinois R.R. Floating isn't a good option unless your ok with having to hit a number of rocks at a low winter flow. The Jefferson River Canoe Trail retraces by water an essential segment of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail from the three forks of the Missouri at Headwaters State Park up the Jefferson River to its origin at the forks of the Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers near Twin Bridges. Pale Morning Duns, Trico, Grasshoppers, and Baetis are all important hatches. May has two of the best and most prolific hatches on the Big Hole, Mother’s Day Caddis and an explosive Baetis hatch. In Dewey, access the river in numerous places as the river hugs the road in many places. The foothills of the Pioneer Mountains, the rugged beauty of the Maiden Rock Canyon is not to be missed. Look for bighorn sheep along the cliffs as you float through. E Bridge. Both streams are permitted and only a small fraction of Montana’s fishing outfitters are licensed to guide here. These times are shown to allow you to develop your own river trips. Rent one of our canoes, rafts, kayaks, tubes or Jon boats to float down the Big Piney and Gasconade River. The access points to the river are listed and shown on the map in sequence. On the Big Hole, the fishing is best when the weather is cloudy and dark. This area is what people think of when they hear the word “Montana”. From our location, it is easy to sample some of the best Montana fishing. The Big Hole River offers the angler a wide array of fish. Numerous official fishing access sites dot the banks of the Big Hole River. The scenic Big Hole River winds and rushes in every imaginable configuration through high alpine valleys, steep-walled canyons, and broad agricultural plains. Fall is when the big browns come out in Montana, so be ready for a big one. The Big Hole features some blizzard type hatches; particularly early season Baetis and Mother’s Day Caddis. Fly Fishing Guide to Big Hole River: As mentioned above, fly fishing the Big Hole River is largely dependant on where you fish the river, water levels and seasons. The river remains very wade-able in the stretch of river between the Mudd Creek Fishing Access through the Sportsman’s Park Access. Packages. The Big Hole River begins high in the Beaverhead Mountains. After leaving the mountains, the river flows due north through the massive Big Hole Valley, picking up velocity and volume from the numerous feeder creeks that spill f… While tree-lined, the river flows through open land on its journey to form the Jefferson. Often referred to as the ‘Last Best River‘, begins at Skinner Lake, high in the Beaverhead Mountains of Southwest Montana. Local swimming hole with good gravel bar. The FWP Commission adopted minor changes to the rules in 2010 and 2015 based on public input. That is one of the many things that makes the Big Hole River so special. The access at the Divide Bridge offers picnicking and shade. Shop Staff Notes: This is THE trustworthy map for floating or accessing the famous Big Hole River. The finest freestone trout stream in Montana, the Big Hole River, begins near Jackson and flows 150 miles to its confluence with the Beaverhead forming the Jefferson River. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The upper Big Hole looks more like a small creek than a river, but it gains water and size after the confluence of the Wise River. Not so on the Big Hole. Enjoy a Guided Fly Fishing Float Trip on the Big Hole River in Southwest Montana. Briar Bluff towers over a deep, crystal-clear swimming hole, and Ozark Campground is just uphill from the sandy beach on river right. The river is bordered by the Pintlar and Beaverhead Mountains in the west, and the smaller West Pioneer Mountains in the east. The Big Hole River is the last river arctic grayling live in. The river flows 188 miles until it joins the Beaverhead River to form the Jefferson River. The Salmonfly hatch occurs in June followed by the Golden Stones. Current fly fishing reports and conditions for Big Hole River in Montana! The river travels through ranch land and access is limited to bridge crossings. The upper river is mostly privately owned, but access … In spring, fishing from a drift boat or raft is preferred. With cozy cabins and an event center that overlooks the lower Big Hole river we provide a unique location for you or your group event. play today July through mid-August offer the Big Hole’s summer fishing. The Jacks Fork is the most well-known and largest floatable tributary of the Current River, nearly doubling the river in size. The Big Hole historically suffered from irrigation demands and livestock damage. The river plunges into a stretch of canyon country after the confluence of the Wise River. For those who prefer to float, the Big Hole River offers numerous boat launches. When you think of Montana fly fishing, the Big Hole River stands out as one of the best rivers in the state. The upper river is mostly privately owned, but access is made possible thanks to numerous bridge crossings. Mid-April sees the arrival of Baetis and March Browns. Perhaps the best river to fly fish in Montana, the Big Hole River is home to big brown trout in the lower sections. Perhaps the most famous Big Hole River hatch is the Mother’s Day Caddis. Target covered or shady areas in search of brown trout. Access and River Mileage: Numerous official fishing access sites dot the banks of the Big Hole River. The Silver Bow Club boasts 3.5 miles of riverfront on the Big Hole River in the Canyon Stretch. Here you’ll find an easy boat launch and picnic area. From its humble beginnings in the Beaverhead Mountains to its confluence with the Beaverhead River in Twin Bridges, the Big Hole River is 160 miles of free-flowing beauty and fly fishing adrenaline. Casting a hopper at the bank beginning in July can keep an angler busy! Surrounded by peaks that reach above 10,000 feet, the river flows from Skinner Lake at an elevation of 7,340. On most Montana rivers, nymphs are the kings of the river. The fishing has decent fishing for brown trout, particularly during the fall. Before floating, check for special regulations regarding nonresident and outfitter floating. Big Hole or Madison river with lunch– $450 per day. The Big Hole River is one of the prettiest rivers in Montana. Pull the boat over for a leisurely streamside lunch. Kayaker floating near Briar Bluff at Ozark. Big Hole River December 2, 2020. A word of caution: If you fish this area, or anywhere in the Big Hole Valley, during the months of June and July, you should be aware that there will be huge numbers of mosquitoes. They are a treasure that should be treated with respect. Many local guide’s favorite flies are dries. The Snake River is internationally known as one of the best and most consistent white water adventures in North America. Banks are often lined with low willows. The Beaverhead River begins at Clark Canyon Dam, near Dillon, and flows for 80 miles to the confluence with the Jefferson River. Try an attractor like a Wulff to catch fish hand over fist. tracks. Fishing in the mountain lakes. By mid-August, the water is low enough and warm enough to effectively shut down fishing until September. Lush hay meadows and cottonwood valleys framed by the Pintlar Mountains with a wide river winding through. The Big Hole River has three distinct sections, including the Upper Big Hole River, Big Hole River Canyon, and the lower Big Hole River. Both of these hatches have the potential to become blizzard hatches. The time listed after the access point is an average canoe paddling time between the access point and the next in the sequence. Floating the Big Hole River. Catch and release all grayling and cutthroats. Wild and free, the Big Hole River rises near the small town of Jackson, Montana and flows more than 150 miles to join the Ruby and the Beaverhead River to form the Jefferson River in Twin Bridges, Montana. Access difficult due to steep slope. s, "waters of the pocket gopher") is a tributary of the Jefferson River, approximately 153 miles (246 km) long, in Beaverhead County, in southwestern Montana, United States.It is the last habitat in the contiguous United States for native fluvial Arctic grayling and is a historically popular destination for fly fishing, especially for trout Our most popular fun filled float trips include 3, 5, and 8 mile routes for a full or partial day of relaxing entertainment. These fish are beautiful, and will greedily gobble a dry fly. Shuttle time between Erbie and Ozark is approximately 30 minutes. The Big Hole River comes to life in the Beaverhead Mountains south of Jackson, Montana, as the outlet of Skinner Lake, elevation 7,340. Ford, reached from north side. Cliffs and craggy rock formations curve the river and often form deep pools. Caddis hatch late April through May. With more than 3000 fish per mile, the river is an angler’s dream. The Big Hole River • As most Montana rivers, it has many personalities throughout its course; the source of the main stem Big Hole River is Skinner Lake in the Beaverhead National Forest in the Beaverhead Mountains of the Bitterroot Range at the Continental Divide along the Montana-Idaho border in western Beaverhead County. The infant river and its tributaries are home to brook trout, arctic grayling, and the occasional cutthroat. Downstream, is the Maiden Rock Fishing Access. Grayling in the section can be on the larger size, up to 15 inches. All the fish in the Big Hole love dry flies. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. May and September are considered the best months on the Big Hole. The Big Hole River has all the access you need to spend a day to a week fishing the river on your next fly fishing vacation to southwest Montana. Find out where the action is, what the water conditions are and everything you need for a successful day on the water! In summer is the river is very wade-able. Help came in 1988 when Big Hole River Foundation was founded by noted Montana conservationist, angler, and fly tier George F. Grant. Otherwise, caddis hatch can be expected from April through July. There are numerous floating restrictions in effect for the Big Hole, check with a local outfitter before floating. 1.8 Hwy. In the early season before the hatches begin, stripping streamers off the banks yields hungry brookies, browns, and rainbows. Join us for Epic "dry" fly action ... awesome scenery and weather, a visit from the warden, "2 fish on" and "doubles", as we "slap some gills" during a salmonfly hatch on the beautiful Big Hole River! As one of the most prolific free stone rivers in Montana, the Big Hole’s fish grow big … A great place to grab some snacks or a cold beer, floating through Wise River is a great bet. Licenses #9491 - Brad Platt, #8360 - Jonathan Anderson, #17520 - Craig Jones, and #11675 - Ryan Barba, The Silver Bow Club 4000 Maiden Rock Road Divide, Montana 59727, Proudly Working with Montana Outfitters Licenses. In Divide, the river flattens and slows slightly. June sees a legendary Salmonfly hatch. There are numerous boat launches in this stretch. Our golf cart path winds along a portion of the river for easy access to several of our favorite pools. Best described by the late George Grant as “a big, little river”, the Big Hole is revered by all … Following the Jefferson River Canoe Trail A Narrative of a Six Day Trip Down the River By Thomas J. Elpel. Big Hole River First adopted in 1999 to address public concerns about crowding, the Beaverhead and Big Hole River Recreation Rules were re-evaluated in 2005, 2010 and 2015. The fall browns, and Twin Bridges, begins at Clark Canyon Dam, near Dillon, and for! Your own River trips is low enough and warm enough to effectively down! 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