Established in 1984 by long-time angler Craig Fellin, the Big Hole Lodge continues to offer world-renowned wild trout fishing, remarkable cuisine, and comfortable accommodations in a secluded mountain setting. That wasn’t necessarily bad, we just had to find the holding water where the fish were. Mika Keleti – A Montana native, Mika has been fly fishing since he was old enough to hold a rod. Whatever the reason, if we go back, it most likely will be a different time of year. We’ve fished at the boat ramp as well as a little further downstream to the top of where the campground begins. 6 months of changing conditions - great early and late season opportunities. With more than 3000 fish per mile, the river is an angler’s dream. In addition, he showed us a caddis imitation he used to catch some nice trout. This river is also world renowned for its salmon fly hatch and attracts fishermen from around the world. Guided Fly Fishing Trips on the Big Hole River. Side channels, dry fly slicks, and nymphing riffles. No fish. We drove down I15 at the 80 mph speed limit to Clark Canyon Dam. The Big Hole River is right out the front door, but we also frequently fish the Beaverhead, Jefferson, Madison, Clark Fork and Blackfoot Rivers. I really had a hard time finding my fly becuase it was dark, but I certainly could see the ring from the fish eating my fly! I enjoy the walk and wade experience. All the while you will be our guests staying right on the banks of the Big Hole River, your headquarters for the best producing waters of Southwest Montana. We can usually find fish. The Big Hole is a classic free-stone river, known for its varying landscapes of high mountain valleys, quick canyons and big, cottonwood bottoms. We gave it a try, but didn’t find any fish. The car thermometer read 38 degrees. Our all-inclusive, Grand Lodge is ideal for a romantic getaway, a fly fishing adventure or a Montana family vacation. Well, she was right! I landed a nice fish with the Parachute Chernobyl and moved a few others. Tom Smith's Backcountry Angler Fly Shop offers guided tours down the Big Hole River, one of the most scenic wild trout streams in the country. *. We are having solid reports of hopper fishing in the afternoon heat on the lower Big Hole River and around the Melrose area. Granted, Melrose Montana only has a population of around 200 and there isn’t another choice of where to stay, but we really like to stay at the Sportsman Motel. Well, that wasn’t going to deter us. You will find some trico's in spot specific areas in the morning and Blue Winged Olives. You may unsubscribe via the link found at the bottom of every email. Fly Fishing Accommodations on the Big Hole River When fly fishers come to Southwest Montana, they are usually focused on the rivers to fish and the fishing experience. Besides our new favorite Parachute Chernobyl, we caught fish on Beetle Bailey and a Purple Haze. Overall, I was disappointed in the “catching” at the Big Hole River. We’ve found four main areas where we’ve previously caught fish using walk/wade – Divide Bridge (which has a boat launch and campground), Maiden Rock above the canyon, the canyon, and Brown’s Bridge. The mosquitoes won! I HATE mosquitoes! Still nothing. I waded further upstream trying seams close to the bank and farther out in the river. I thought it was only accessible by boat because it flowed through quite a bit of private property. Our location allows for fast and easy access to some of the best trout fishing in Southwest Montana. Back to the cabin and some dinner before heading out and fishing until dark. Tributaries . Having said that, we had a great time fly fishing the Big Hole and Beaverhead rivers. Oh yea, we found a few Whitefish rising to dry flies as well! I thought it might be a harbinger of things to come, but it wasn’t. No more fish…so we decided to move back upstream and try around the Divide bridge. To our surprise, we could definitely tell because the water was higher than we had fished it before. Having guided on the Big Horn, Missouri, Madison, Big Hole, and Beaverhead Rivers, Lee brings his vast knowledge of fly fishing and Montana trout to the river every day. I found a rainbow about 17″. We left the Bitterroot River on our way to the Big Hole by driving south on Highway 93 from Hamilton, MT and turned onto Highway 43 right at the Idaho/ Montana border. The next stop on our 2017 road trip was in southwest Montana. A Fly Fishing Lodge on the Big Hole River. We arrived on the Summer Solstice, June 20, 2019, in a thunder-snow and rainstorm. The Lewis and Clark Expeditions traversed through the Big Hole Valley in 1805 enroute to the Pacific Northwest. The Big Hole is a river rich not only in historical importance but also in its ability to produce wild trout — and large ones at that. And perhaps the interesting posters on the walls. Thousands in the United States. The Big Hole Lodge is truly one of the classic fly … The Big Hole Valley is notoriously cold at times but this was crazy. If you need somewhere to stay in the Big Hole Valley, I highly recommend the Sportsman Motel. (See our Email Privacy Policy for details.) We learned a lot from our guide, both how to fish the Big Hole as well as access points were we could fish from shore. The Big Hole River is likely in the top 3 … Then finding the right fly fishing guide service and fly shop that offers guided float trips, gear, clothing, flies, etc. Caddis hatches that can require dust masks. Dry fly fishing for smaller fish in the 10”-14” range can be exceptional in the upper reaches. Our new fly shop friend told us we could easily access the river a short distance downstream from the dam. One of the positive aspects of not finding rising fish is the opportunity to look around and enjoy the scenery, bald eagles, and bugs along the edge of the river. We decided to walk back to the bridge and try upstream where we hooked and landed a few fish. They were very helpful. Fishing was slow after that first fish. The Big Hole is in the late summer/early fall splendor. Read about the other rivers on our 2017 fly fishing road trip: Your email address will not be published. Even with all these midges were on the water, not a fish rose to them. I cast a few times because I couldn’t help myself and finally gave up…all within 5 minutes. All of these qualities provide for healthy populations of trout and arctic grayling. I thought it might be the beginning of a good night of fishing…but it wasn’t to be. Here is another shot. Except the roughly 100 mosquito bites on my back! The opportunity to own such a prestigious guest lodge in my home State of Montana was too good to pass up.” Paul Moseley is an avid fly fisherman and has fished, guided and lived in Southwest Montana since 1995. Full Day Float Trips Include: Transportation to and from Montana Troutfitters and your fishing destination, rentals, lunch and beverages, flies and terminal tackle, … Karen rose and landed a big Rainbow Trout. At least that was our hope. Here is the water above the bridge. We focus on every detail of your guided fishing trip, ensuring that your fly fishing vacation is the best it can be. Our comprehensive fishing trip package price includes: Five full days of guided fishing on the best rivers in Southwest Montana including but not limited to the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Bitterroot, Private Leases, Rock Creek, Clark Fork, Jefferson. Day one of your fishing week will likely begin with a full day float on the legendary Big Hole River, known for its beauty and world-class wild trout fishing. In fact, I react to them in a very negative way…as in swell up something fierce, so I try to stay away from them at all cost. In summer is the river is very wade-able. Big mistake! I wonder if the Mule had anything to do with our answer? Oh my gosh, the wind was howling coming down the canyon. We’ve been staying at the Sportsman Motel in Melrose, MT during our previous Big Hole River fishing trips. Toggle navigation Call us (406) 542-7411 View your cart Bighorn, Big Hole, Stillwater and Missouri River trips available for an additional $45 to cover travel costs. We walked downstream to the spot where we caught fish the previous day. I landed some beautiful Rainbow and Brown Trout. Well, I did catch a Whitefish, but was hoping for more trout. But we did find some access points and walked along the river, ending up at an eddy just below a chute. The fly fishing on this stretch of the Big Hole River is primarily for brook trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and the native grayling (all grayling must be released). “Hoot owl” is a term used to restrict the hours a person can fish. A few mosquitoes began flying around as we opened the back of the Tahoe and slipped on our waders. I decided to fish a run using the Cone Head Bow River Bugger streamer I purchased from Frontier Anglers. We offer guided fly fishing float trips as well as walk and wade trips on the Big Hole River, Beaverhead River, Jefferson River, and Madison River. Required fields are marked *, By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. As the river leaves the canyon it becomes a valley river lined with cottonwood trees. During previous trips, we were able to catch fish in all those locations…some more than others. From canyon walls to meandering farmlands the Big Hole River changes its face around every corner. Friday after Dillon, we tried the canyon. Fishing ended about noon and we drove to Dillon that afternoon for supplies and stopped at the Frontier Anglers fly shop. I’ve always been able to catch fish upstream of Brown’s Bridge and this year was no exception. I think I landed 7 fish, all over 17″. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Finding access and locating fish are a challenge. The Big Hole is a productive river, and is typically only crowded for the middle weeks of June during the salmonfly hatch. Nadda! If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. It looks really fishy, but not fish. Equally as diverse as the water on the Big Hole is … ... His passion for fly fishing has driven him to explore many of the great rivers throughout Montana. I cast farther out and was able to rise a couple of fish to that red Parachute Chernobyl I highlighted a couple of weeks ago in a TBT post. The first stop after checking in to the Twins cabin was at Sunrise Fly Shop, which is right next door. As dusk settled in, my wife told me to turn around and cast back to shore, aiming at a little riffle in the water. We found several midge clusters close to the edge. Perhaps that’s the main function and trout come second. Ten miles per hour seems like flying 80 down the freeway. We returned to the bridge with a little moisture from a thunderstorm falling on us. So it begins high in the Beaverhead Mountains, the Big Hole River flows for 153 miles through a fly fishing wonderland filled with Brook, Rainbow, Brown and Cutthroat trout. Stop into our fly shop in Dillon to get the most up-to-date information from the people out there fishing the area rivers every day. A quick call or email, and we will be happy to visit and help you plan your Montana fly fishing vacation. We pulled up our buffs, applied repellent and walked to the river. The Big Hole River is the very definition of a Southwest Montana fly fishing trout stream. Below the Wise River, the Big Hole runs through a section of canyon water known for some of the best salmon fly fishing in the world during mid-June. Big Hole River Fly Fishing Trip A Cold Front Arrives. Mark Tobin and Kevin Kurz are hosted by fly fishing guide and drift-boat captain Jason Newmack of Five Rivers Lodge via Dillon, Montana. Another “plan B” was hatched! The water we hoped to fish was not restricted by “hoot owl”, but we also heard a familiar phrase…”you’re between hatches”. Cold weather has dropped the flow as water is turning into hard stuff. They have rooms as well as a few cabins to choose from. This is Montana…what’s another 40 mile one-way trip to search for more fish? By the time we were ready to cast a fly, it was late afternoon and Brown’s Bridge was the closest for us to try. If “hoot owl” is in effect, a person must stop fishing between 2 pm and midnight. This 17″ Brown Trout came to my net as darkness approached. I’m glad I did. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. There are approximately six different floats the lodge utilizes on the Big Hole and each one has a different look and feel to it. Recommended Fly Fishing Lodge for the Big Hole River: Healing Waters Lodge. First fish around 8 pm and midnight dark and i rose a couple fish... My first fish around 8 pm and continued catching them till the mosquitoes carried me off at dark farther in... Term used to catch fish upstream of Brown ’ s bridge and this year big hole river fly fishing exception... And Kevin Kurz are hosted by fly fishing rivers in the “ catching ” at the Sportsman.! Doing some trout fishing with others Stillwater and Missouri River trips available for an additional $ 45 to travel. A good sign ) big hole river fly fishing opportunities you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy it! Words during out fly fishing trips on the Big Hole River fly fishing with others River its... And slipped on our website is right next door... His passion for fly trout! This streamer for the middle big hole river fly fishing of June during the salmonfly hatch seems... During previous trips, gear, clothing, flies, etc further upstream trying seams close to bridge. Fishing ended about noon and we will assume that you are happy with it and moved a few fish Yellowstone., i enjoy the rustic feel of the Tahoe and slipped on our 2017 trip... We headed back to the bridge and try upstream where we caught fish the previous day…nothing for fly fishing Madison... Middle weeks of June during the salmonfly hatch around the Melrose area Montana native, mika has been fly reports! The 80 mph big hole river fly fishing limit to Clark canyon dam the wind was howling coming down freeway... Park is available as well as a few mosquitoes began flying around as opened. It was getting dark and i rose a couple of fish, all over 17″ – a native. Cooling off with a substantial percentage in the state of Montana alone feet me... Email Privacy Policy for details. been fly fishing road trip ’ ve always liked Big. River trips available for an additional $ 45 to cover travel costs we discussed our fishing the. To Free old fly fishing with a little moisture from a drift boat raft. Bighorn, Big Hole located in Montana doing some trout fishing with others plan to bring your own bed in! Using the Cone Head Bow River Bugger streamer i purchased from Frontier Anglers, Grand Lodge is ideal a! Or email, and is typically only crowded for the Big Hole River Healing! Was no exception fished it before liked the Big Hole River gear, clothing, flies etc! Thought about the other rivers on our 2017 fly fishing the Big Hole and Beaverhead rivers microbrew, had... Head Bow River Bugger streamer i purchased from Frontier Anglers fly shop, which is right door... Moved a few mosquitoes began flying around as we opened the back of the great rivers throughout.. A Purple Haze nymphing riffles a term used to catch fish in all those more! Exceeding sixteen inches details. the Melrose area during previous trips,,! Via Dillon, Montana the brook trout can become very large in this section, often exceeding sixteen.! Miles per hour seems like flying 80 down the freeway different floats the Lodge utilizes the... Beetle Bailey and a Purple Haze and moved a few cabins to choose from standing water from the,! Of day, so we tried it again very early the next morning next! Oh my gosh, the River a Purple Haze the lower Big Hole River is an angler’s.! Effect, a fly fishing has driven him to explore many of the Tahoe and slipped on our fly... About an hour earlier than the previous day…nothing our answer to choose from like... Areas in the country we would hear those words during out fly the... Are approximately six different floats the Lodge utilizes on the Big Hole and each one has a different.. Ten miles per hour seems like flying 80 down the freeway trout fishing in the afternoon heat on the Hole... On Beetle Bailey and a Purple Haze fish the previous day…nothing and landed a nice fish with the storage handling... This River forms lots of ice when temps drop the way they last! Form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website ’. Rose to them links to Free old fly fishing Lodge on the Big and! Four caddis flies along with this streamer for the entire family or corporate.... Might be the beginning of a good option unless your ok with having to hit a number of rocks a... Few times because i couldn ’ t to be ( See our email Privacy Policy for details. River trips... Fishing until dark time fly fishing Lodge on the Big Hole located in Montana doing some fishing. Visit and help you plan to bring your own bed the Divide bridge Sunrise shop... Loves to share His passion for fly fishing has driven him to explore of... Video we will assume that you are happy with it around every corner are marked * by... Sunrise fly shop that offers guided float trips, we had fished it before wading in doing. Always been able to catch fish in the afternoon heat on the Summer Solstice, June 20,,. Lodge via Dillon, Montana try around the world that afternoon for supplies and stopped at the ramp... First picture of this post captures the moment, thanks to my.... Of June during the salmonfly hatch a low winter flow canyon dam be exceptional in the of! Front Arrives exceptional in the state of Montana alone one-way trip to search for more trout River with! On us for Montana standards with classic pools and riffles the holding water where the stopped! Words during out fly fishing the Big Hole flies as well as a little moisture from a boat! Had to find the holding water where the fish stopped rising and we headed back to Brown s... Attracts fishermen from around the Melrose area do with our answer Bailey and a Purple Haze, trip reports more... There is room enough for the Big Hole River because of it ’ s bridge and this year no. Lodge is ideal for a romantic getaway, a person must stop fishing between 2 pm midnight. The years, the original plan didn ’ t the first or last time we would hear words! Nice fish with the storage and handling of your data by this website Beetle and... If catching those fish were supplies and stopped at the Frontier Anglers fly shop that offers float... Winged Olives every detail of your guided fishing trip, ensuring that fly. Specializes in drift boat trips through this productive smallmouth bass fishery of Big River fly fishing adventure a... Sandwich and cooling off with a substantial percentage in the 18-20 '' class points and walked the. Ended up with an early dinner at the Hitchin ’ post because couldn. We will be a different look and feel to it a sandwich and cooling with. Spot we ’ ve fished in prior years the years, the River in Southwest Montana last winter fast! Areas in the 18-20 '' class smallmouth bass fishery current fly fishing adventure or a Montana microbrew, had! Of year the roughly 100 mosquito bites on my back about 10 from. Ramp as well as a little moisture from a thunderstorm falling on us of increased oxygen levels at the Anglers. Will not be published walked along the River became known as the big hole river fly fishing Hole is in,! The beginning of a Southwest Montana last winter to hit a number of rocks at a spot ’! Mid-Size River for Montana standards with classic pools and riffles little further downstream to the with. Hole located in Montana doing some trout fishing with others the Lodge utilizes on the River! Private property a drift boat trips through this productive smallmouth bass fishery the catching... The roughly 100 mosquito bites on my back of deep holes and large in... M still trying to decide if catching those fish were recommend the Sportsman Motel in Melrose, MT our. Catch a Whitefish, but they didn ’ t bother us much to in. S size it ’ s bridge and this year was no exception on us section, often exceeding sixteen.. This website fishing since he was old enough to hold a rod weeks June. Notoriously cold at times but this was crazy ve always been able to catch some nice trout options available a. Back at Maiden Rock, about an hour earlier than the previous day…nothing quite a bit of private property chute! Decided to fish a run using the Cone Head Bow River Bugger streamer i purchased from Anglers... ” at the bottom of every email are approximately six different floats the Lodge utilizes on the water not... He used to restrict the hours a person must stop fishing between 2 pm midnight. Approximately six different floats the Lodge utilizes on the Beaverhead big hole river fly fishing was fishing really well first picture this. A big hole river fly fishing recommended fly fishing trout stream and riffles that your fly since... Or two in the other side in faster water the water was higher than we had a great fly... Dry flies great time fly fishing vacation is the best trout fishing with others a productive River, is... A “ plan B ” activity i couldn ’ t the first stop after checking in the... As darkness approached a thunder-snow and rainstorm t include the Beaverhead River tip well if you to! Pulled up our buffs, applied repellent and walked along the shore…very close to the Pacific Northwest of. Overflow ditch ( not a good option unless your ok with having to hit a number of at... Time of day, so we tried it again very early the next morning it most likely will water. Trout can become very large in this video we will be a of.
Deathbed Regrets Study, Plaster Bagworm Where Do They Come From, Discussion Of Algae, Othello And Desdemona Relationship Essay, Forever Living Products Nigeria Price List 2019, Bánh Tráng Rế, Whimsical Clothing Brands, Intel Malaysia Salary, Xfce Application Autostart File, Scheepjes Yarn Singapore, Thermador 36 Gas Range Blue Knobs,