Fishing Season: Summer

Big Hole River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

68

Craig Fellin Outfitters & Big Hole Lodge's Tip of the Week

As water temperatures continue to rise on the river, plan to get out earlier in the mornings and get your fishing in before the afternoon heat. Focus on fishing deeper pools and keep fish wet when handling them!

Directions open in app

Map of Big Hole River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Big Hole Lodge
Madison Valley Ranch
The Tackle Shop Outfitters

5-Day Outlook as of 7/21/26

The river is open to fishing from the headwaters in the Jackson/ Wisdom to the confluence with the Beaverhead and Jefferson rivers. Hoot owl restrictions are on sections 1 and 5. Flows are currently dropping. PMDs and Sallys are beginning to fizzle out but, Tricos and terrestrial fishing should start pretty soon with warmer day time temperatures.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/21/26

Dry- dropper and dry fly fishing are the best techniques at this time.

Local Species Available Summer

  • Fish Icon

    Trout

Craig Fellin Outfitters & Big Hole Lodge's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer Black #4-8
Bead Head Hare's Ear Flashback Natural #16
Fly Formerly Known As Prince Brown #14-16
Stimulator Yellow #14
Chubby Duo Hopper Tan #8
Chubby Purple #10-12
Elk Wing Caddis Grey #16
Larson's Legend Golden Stone Dry Yellow #12
Tactical Holo Point Jig Red #16-18
The Worm Red #8

Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer

Every angler needs an assortment of these weighted attractor Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer flies.

2.49

Item #0311

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Craig Fellin Outfitters & Big Hole Lodge's Recommended Gear

Description: About Big Hole River

From its headwaters near Jackson, the Big Hole meanders 150 miles to its confluence with the Ruby and Beaverhead which form the Jefferson River. It is a river rich not only in historical importance, but also in its ability to produce wild trout- and large ones at that. In certain sections of the river, there are approximately 3,500 trout per mile with a substantial percentage in the 18-20" class. The renowned beauty of the river with its towering peaks of more than 10,000 ft. upstream of Dickey Bridge and secluded Maiden Rock Canyon makes this more than just a famous trout fishery. The Big Hole is really a special place, and as you float by a stretch like the Ralston Ranch above Wise River, you can almost picture the stagecoach stop the family operated in 1910 and the teams of horses that fed and rested there. Where else can you have the chance to catch a brown, rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout along with a grayling all in one day?

Nearest Airport:

Butte

Hatches:

Tricos Caddis Yellow Sally PMD

Best Time to Fish:

7am to 2pm

Best Stretch:

Jerry Creek - Melrose Jerry Creek - Melrose

Best Access:

Divide