Copyright 2009 James Marsh
Fly Fishing The Big Hole River Montana
The Big Hole starts from the outlet of Lake Skinner in the
Beaverhead Mountains but that isn't the extend of its
water. It also receives water from the Pioneer and
Anaconad Mountains. It is a small mountain stream until it
gets near the Wisdom area in the Big Hole Valley. There
the North Fork helps increase the flow of the river. Below
there it gains more water from several small creeks and
the Wise River. It makes several turns along its way until it
joins the Beaverhead River to help form the Jefferson
River near Twin Bridges. The Big Hole is a freestone
stream. Its water levels and flows strictly depends on
Mother Nature and the amount used for agricultural
irrigation. Over the years it has gone through some tough
periods of drought. Fly fishing the Big Hole River can be a
very rewarding experience.
There are several areas along its route with public access
for waders but for the most part, the river flows through
private property. The best way to fish the river is to float
it. You can cover far more water than you can otherwise.
Along the way the river goes through many changes. It is
mostly a small pocket water type stream in its headwaters.
When it reaches the Big Hole Valley it slows down and
flows through many meadows. There is an area where it
flows through a canyon. Then there is the larger river
downstream that slows down and flows through open
farmland. How you fish the river depends first of all on
where you fish it.
Seasons:
The river is greatly affected by the seasons. Low water
and warm water temperatures can be big concerns.
Spring:
During early spring the water is relatively low but during
April and May it will increase from snow melt and top out
in June. It doesn't really blow out like many rivers do.
Summer:
Early summer will find the water dropping steady due to
irrigation use and less water from the melting snow.
Fall:
Fall is one of the best times to fish the river. Cooler
weather drops the water temperature and fishing picks up
until late fall.
Winter:
The river starts icing over in late fall. Fishing during the
winter is normally limited to Whitefish.
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. (Click Here To Continue).
The Big Hole starts from the outlet of Lake Skinner in the
Beaverhead Mountains but that isn't the extend of its
water. It also receives water from the Pioneer and
Anaconad Mountains. It is a small mountain stream until it
gets near the Wisdom area in the Big Hole Valley. There
the North Fork helps increase the flow of the river. Below
there it gains more water from several small creeks and
the Wise River. It makes several turns along its way until it
joins the Beaverhead River to help form the Jefferson
River near Twin Bridges. The Big Hole is a freestone
stream. Its water levels and flows strictly depends on
Mother Nature and the amount used for agricultural
irrigation. Over the years it has gone through some tough
periods of drought. Fly fishing the Big Hole River can be a
very rewarding experience.
There are several areas along its route with public access
for waders but for the most part, the river flows through
private property. The best way to fish the river is to float
it. You can cover far more water than you can otherwise.
Along the way the river goes through many changes. It is
mostly a small pocket water type stream in its headwaters.
When it reaches the Big Hole Valley it slows down and
flows through many meadows. There is an area where it
flows through a canyon. Then there is the larger river
downstream that slows down and flows through open
farmland. How you fish the river depends first of all on
where you fish it.
Seasons:
The river is greatly affected by the seasons. Low water
and warm water temperatures can be big concerns.
Spring:
During early spring the water is relatively low but during
April and May it will increase from snow melt and top out
in June. It doesn't really blow out like many rivers do.
Summer:
Early summer will find the water dropping steady due to
irrigation use and less water from the melting snow.
Fall:
Fall is one of the best times to fish the river. Cooler
weather drops the water temperature and fishing picks up
until late fall.
Winter:
The river starts icing over in late fall. Fishing during the
winter is normally limited to Whitefish.
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. (Click Here To Continue).
| Type of Stream Freestone Stream Species Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Brook Trout Cutthroat Trout Grayling (Wild) Size Medium - 155 miles long Location Southwest Montana Nearest Towns Wisdom Twin Bridges Melrose Season 3rd Sat. May - Nov. 30th (Some year-round catch and release areas) Special Regulations Access: Fair to Good Non-Resident License State of Montana Weather National Weather Service Link Hatch Chart Perfect Fly Hatch Chart Fly Fishing Guide Hatches and Flies Fly Fishing Gear Stream Flow Data: Real Time USGS Data |
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Big Hole River Montana
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Notice the bug net over Angie's head. You will need it during the summer.
| Options For Selecting Flies: 1. Email us with the dates you will be fishing this stream and we will send you a list of our fly suggestions. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. 2. Call us 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide which flies you need. 3. Call or email us with a budget for flies and we will select them and get them to you in time for your trip. Shipping is free in the U. S. Orders over $50 are shipped Priority Mail. |