Shop Staff Notes: This is THE trustworthy map for floating or accessing the famous Big Hole River. Dry fly fishing in this section of the Big Hole River really heats up in summer. For those who prefer to float, the Big Hole River offers numerous boat launches. A great place to grab some snacks or a cold beer, floating through Wise River is a great bet. Packages. The Jacks Fork is the most well-known and largest floatable tributary of the Current River, nearly doubling the river in size. Turn west (towards the Big Hole Mountains) on 4000 North/Packsaddle Road You will cross the Teton River and the boat ramp is on the left With a character similar to that of the previous section this can be a nice alternative to the more popular floats on a busy summer weekend. The Big Hole River has three distinct sections, including the Upper Big Hole River, Big Hole River Canyon, and the lower Big Hole River. The foothills of the Pioneer Mountains, the rugged beauty of the Maiden Rock Canyon is not to be missed. Over 150 miles of free flowing trout water – you get the picture and yes, this is one river you must fish. Otherwise, caddis hatch can be expected from April through July. Numerous official fishing access sites dot the banks of the Big Hole River. Before floating, check for special regulations regarding nonresident and outfitter floating. Look for the best Baetis action on days that are dark and rainy. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. July through mid-August offer the Big Hole’s summer fishing. In spring, fishing from a drift boat or raft is preferred. E Bridge. 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. By mid-August, the water is low enough and warm enough to effectively shut down fishing until September. Located approximately 50 river miles from the confluence of the Jefferson, the Silver Bow Club sits on the best stretch of river in terms of fish size and population. 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… Enjoy private access to 3½ miles of the Big Hole River, explore our 1800 acres of meadows and slopes, and relax by the campfire at your cabin. The Big Hole features some blizzard type hatches; particularly early season Baetis and Mother’s Day Caddis. In spring, fishing from a drift boat or raft is preferred. The Big Hole River is born in Skinner Lake high in the mountains of southwestern Montana. 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. Be sure to call us for the latest river conditions and come by for a visit to pick up the flies that will hook you that big brown you have been dreaming of. That is one of the many things that makes the Big Hole River so special. For an additional fee, enjoy any of the ranch activitie s or join us for dinner in the Grand Lodge. Catch and release all grayling and cutthroats. Enjoy a Guided Fly Fishing Float Trip on the Big Hole River in Southwest Montana. This free flowing, Blue Ribbon Trout Stream is home to fluvial Arctic Grayling, Cutthroats, Brook Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. In Dewey, access the river in numerous places as the river hugs the road in many places. Help came in 1988 when Big Hole River Foundation was founded by noted Montana conservationist, angler, and fly tier George F. Grant. Shuttle time between Erbie and Ozark is approximately 30 minutes. The river plunges into a stretch of canyon country after the confluence of the Wise River. Target covered or shady areas in search of brown trout. In Divide, the river flattens and slows slightly. The access at the Divide Bridge offers picnicking and shade. When the weather cools in September, try dragging a Bugger-type fly through a deep pool. 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 Throughout the 155.6 miles it flows, the Big Hole takes on many faces. Our most popular fun filled float trips include 3, 5, and 8 mile routes for a full or partial day of relaxing entertainment. The river travels through ranch land and access is limited to bridge crossings. The Big River is a relatively safe, slow-moving Ozark stream, with scenic bluffs and many gravel bars for picnics, swimming and artifact hunting. The lower 39 river miles flows through the towns of Melrose, Glen, and Twin Bridges. Only during spring run-off is the river too high to wade comfortably. The time listed after the access point is an average canoe paddling time between the access point and the next in the sequence. 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. The Big Hole River flows 188 miles from its source to its confluence with the Beaverhead River. Kayaker floating near Briar Bluff at Ozark. Brook trout are still found within the river system but as you go further downstream, rainbow and browns join the mix. Caddis hatch late April through May. Find out where the action is, what the water conditions are and everything you need for a successful day on the water! 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. Perhaps the most written about and regaled section of the Big Hole River is the Canyon Stretch. Big Hole or Madison river with lunch– $450 per day. Fishing in the mountain lakes. May and September are considered the best months on the Big Hole. They are a treasure that should be treated with respect. Just upstream from the Silver Bow Club is the Divide Bridge access. On most Montana rivers, nymphs are the kings of the river. As one of the most prolific free stone rivers in Montana, the Big Hole’s fish grow big … Fishing stays good until October. The Big Hole River is the last river arctic grayling live in. Great to have one for pre-trip planning. The River is Calling when you stay at the Big Hole River Retreat. Grayling in the section can be on the larger size, up to 15 inches. The Big Hole River in Montana, one of the best fly fishing rivers in Southwest Montana. There are numerous floating restrictions in effect for the Big Hole, check with a local outfitter before floating. The upper river is mostly privately owned, but access is made possible thanks to numerous bridge crossings. The Salmonfly hatch occurs in June followed by the Golden Stones. And the close by forest access into the Pioneer mountains means you … Our guests are encouraged to access the river by crossing the hay meadows and access the numerous pools, riffles, and runs. Current fly fishing reports and conditions for Big Hole River in Montana! The infant river and its tributaries are home to brook trout, arctic grayling, and the occasional cutthroat. The river also makes a … Ford, reached from north side. There are numerous boat launches in this stretch. The Big Hole River offers the angler a wide array of fish. Proudly Working with Montana Outfitters 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 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 Current River is known to be the most springfed river in the state, with hundreds of freshwater springs and caves, making this river floatable all year round. Casting a hopper at the bank beginning in July can keep an angler busy! At the confluence of the Wise River, a cold mountain stream, is the small town of Wise River, Montana. Rent one of our canoes, rafts, kayaks, tubes or Jon boats to float down the Big Piney and Gasconade River. Moose are often seen in the upper river to and downstream to the North Fork. The Beaverhead River begins at Clark Canyon Dam, near Dillon, and flows for 80 miles to the confluence with the Jefferson River. Cliffs and craggy rock formations curve the river and often form deep pools. tracks. Float the beautiful canyon for some of the best fly fishing the Big Hole River has to offer. These times are shown to allow you to develop your own river trips. All the fish in the Big Hole love dry flies. Fish the river upstream or down from bridge crossing while staying below the high water mark. 9.1 Coles Landing. Also makes for a nice souvenir of your Big Hole River trip whether you were on a Guided Trips or were fishing on your own. There are numerous floating restrictions in effect for the Big Hole, check with a local outfitter before floating. Big Hole River Fishing the Big Hole River. 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. Our golf cart path winds along a portion of the river for easy access to several of our favorite pools. Floating the Big Hole River. 1.8 Hwy. Downstream, is the Maiden Rock Fishing Access. play today Following the Jefferson River Canoe Trail A Narrative of a Six Day Trip Down the River By Thomas J. Elpel. Access difficult due to steep slope. Look for bighorn sheep along the cliffs as you float through. The river is tree-lined as it passes through the ranch. A stable river flow is much more conducive to fishing than one that is rising a falling. The Jefferson River is a large river which receives the flows of the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Ruby River. While this hatch is sometimes hard to catch, it is well worth your while. From here, drift downstream just a short distance before seeing the northern hay fields of the Silver Bow Club. Pale Morning Duns, Trico, Grasshoppers, and Baetis are all important hatches. Hatches begin coming off in March or early April with midges taking center stage. Watch for rattlesnakes on the lower river, especially near Notch Bottom. 0.0 Put-in at mouth of Turkey Creek on county road running north from Bonne Terre, parallel to Missouri Illinois R.R. 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! 6.9 Three Hill Creek on left. 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. Lush hay meadows and cottonwood valleys framed by the Pintlar Mountains with a wide river winding through. 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. 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