Big Hole River

Big Hole river starts at Skinner Lake, just south of Jackson. It is surrounding by the towering peaks of the Beaverhead Mountain range that runs close to the Idaho/Montana border. The River outlet is at an elevation of 7340 feet and is over 150 miles in length. The river empties itself into the Jefferson River att the Twin Bridges. The scenery changes greatly along the winding banks of the Big Hole river. Starting out as what appears to be just a small mountain stream, the Big Hole flows towards Wisdom, Montana where it joins with the North Fork. As it flows over the next 50 or so miles, it gains much more force and volume from several contributing creeks and rivers including the Wise River. At about three quarters of the way down the river, it runs along the interstate for approximately 15 to 17 miles. Where it joins the Beaverhead river the two combine into the Jefferson River, near Twin Bridges, Montana, which is at an elevation of roughly 4,600 feet.

What is the source of Big Hole river? Much of the water of this spectacular river comes from the surrounding mountain ranges, especially the Beaverhead, Pioneer and Anaconda Mountains. Unfortunately, due to the changing weather patterns and widespread droughts that have been experienced in recent years in much of the Western United States, Big Hole river has seen noticeable lower water levels. During the summer months and even into early fall, if it has been an especially dry season, you may want to check with local authorities to make sure the river is open for fishing. This response from Mother Nature is a grim reminder of how important is to fish responsibly with respect for our environment!

Big Hole river is one of the most popular spots for fishing in all of Montana. In addition to it's breathtaking scenery, the river offers diversity for avid fishermen that is hard to find anywhere else in the world. Almost the entire river is fishable from its outlet until it converges with the Beaverhead. The river changes drastically along its meandering path, quickly going from mountain stream, to meadow creek, then dropping through a canyon until it finally becomes a wide, serene river flowing through gorgeous Montana farmland.

Big Hole river is known for its supply of trout, including rainbow, brown, cutthroat and brook trout. There are also rocky mountain whitefish and grayling to be found. Before starting out, make sure to check with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. There are specific regulations that must be followed with regards to gear restrictions and slot limits in order to manage each segment of the river safely and to protect the ecosystem. Much of the surrounding land is privately owned, so the best way to access the river's hotspots is to use your own boat and float your way down its banks.