BIG HOLE RIVER

The Big Hole River is legendary for some of the best fly-fishing the state has to offer.  Located just 22 miles south of the city of Butte.   This fabulous river begins its flows from Skinner Lake and flows well over 75 miles before joining the Beaverhead River at Twin Bridges where both rivers combine to form the Jefferson River.  Click here for a complete map of the river.

The Big Hole River was originally named the Wisdom River by Captain Meriwether Lewis, but the name was changed by local settlers to its present name.  The Big Hole Valley is famous for its high quality hay grown there and has been named the "Valley of Ten Thousand Hay Stacks" and I can attest to this.  Just after my high school graduation I worked on the Hershey ranch,  one of the biggest ranches in the valley.

The valley is also known for a battle that took place here in August of 1877 in which almost one hundred Nez Perce Indians were killed by U.S. Army troops.  This was one of the many battles of the Nez Perce War of 1877, but remains on record as one of the bloodiest.  This story, with many others is recorded in the exhibits at the Big Hole Battlefield National Monument located on Highway 43, twelve miles west of Wisdom.

In late May, early June anglers from all over the country flock to the Big Hole for its famous "Salmon Fly" hatch.  The hatch begins around Twin Bridges and moves upstream as far as East Bank.  The hatch moves 3 to 5 miles a day.  The trick is fishing the beginning of the hatch.  I always reserve a few days on my calendar to make my way back to fish during this period.   It changes from year to year though depending on water flow and river temperature.

The river also sees tremendous hatches of other insects throughout the year.  Caddis, Stoneflies, B.W.O.'s & Midges make there appearance in the spring of the year and hatch throughout the fishing season.   You will also see P.M.D.'s, March Browns & Gray Drakes.  During summer you will see thick hatches of Caddis and the Trico Mayflies.  It is essential that you carry imitations of these Mayflies or you will get very frustrated at the risers rings forming around you..  During a hatch the trout will refuse all other patterns.   This hatch will test your skills as a caster.  Presentation of your fly and control of the drag is essential.

The Big Hole River is the only river in the lower 48 states to host a large population of Arctic Grayling.   Most people believe the Arctic Grayling to be concentrated in the upper stretches, but we have caught them as low as the Notch Bottom below Glen.  Two years ago we fished in this section and ran into a horde of these highly aggressive fighters.  Below is a picture of one of the most beautiful & biggest grayling as have ever seen caught on the Big Hole.

This is the only river to boast of 5 different trout species.  On a great day of fishing you can ascend to trout heaven, hitting a grand slam on the Big Hole.  A grand slam would include rainbows, browns, cutthroats, brookies, & grayling .  The river is also host to a large Whitefish population.

Over the years this fabulous river has had many protectors and in 1988 the non-profit, "Big Hole River Foundation" was founded by noted conservationist, fly tyer, author & angler Mr. George Grant.  The mission of the foundation is to understand, preserve, and enhance the free flowing character of the Big Hole River and protect its watershed, culture, community and excellent wild trout fishery.  For enrollment information feel free to contact us. Click the link below.

For a complete look at the current stream flows and water temperatures for the Big Hole click here.

If you would like a detailed map of the Big Hole click here to purchase one.

Here are just a few fly patterns that I would recommend for the Big Hole: