Big Hole River 
Tributary of Jefferson River.
(River Mile: 0 to 153)
Launch Interactive Map
From its modest beginnings at Skinner Lake in the Beaverhead Mountains of southwest Montana, the Big Hole River flows 153 miles to its confluence with the Beaverhead River near Twin Bridges. Early explorers and settlers were drawn to the Big Hole by the sheer size, beauty, and richness of the high elevation valley or “hole” as the trappers called it. The Big Hole has been designated as a “Blue Ribbon” fishery and is one of the most heavily used fishing streams in Montana. The river remains free flowing for its entire course, adding to its uniqueness and charm. The Upper Big Hole contains the last stream-dwelling population of Arctic grayling in the lower 48 states, which has prompted many significant private partnerships and cooperative efforts to ensure the protection of this valuable population.
Total Length: 153 miles
FWP Region: Region 3
Fishing District: Central Fishing District
Species Present
- Game Fish Opportunities:
-
Arctic Grayling, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Burbot, Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout
- All Species Present:
-
Arctic Grayling, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Burbot, Common Carp, Longnose Dace, Longnose Sucker, Mottled Sculpin, Mountain Sucker, Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout, Redside Shiner, Slimy Sculpin, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Westslope X Rainbow, White Sucker
NOTE: There may be game fish present (including
Species of Concern) that are not listed in the game fish category due
to low numbers for that fish. Until you identify your catch, please handle all fish carefully. Thank you.
Fishing Regulations
View the latest Montana Fishing Regulations.
Boating Regulations
Standard Boating Regulations for the State of Montana
Exceptions to Standard Boating Regulations by County
*Applies to all rivers & streams
| County |
Regulation |
Description & Exceptions |
| Beaverhead |
Closed to motorboats over 10 HP
|
See exception on Big Hole River |
| Madison |
Closed to motorboats over 10 HP
|
|
| Silver Bow |
Closed to motorboats over 10 HP
|
|
Exceptions to Standard Boating Regulations for Big Hole River
| Regulation |
Description & Exceptions |
Closed to all motorboats
|
|
Fishing Pressure
Mouth to Divide Creek (River Mile: 0 to 50)
| Year |
Days Fished¹ |
Trips² |
State Rank³ |
Regional Rank³ |
| 2007 |
28,386 |
466 |
17 |
5 |
| 2005 |
41,340 |
742 |
14 |
5 |
| 2003 |
32,042 |
723 |
18 |
7 |
| 2001 |
15,666 |
258 |
42 |
11 |
| 1999 |
34,978 |
833 |
21 |
8 |
Divide Creek to Pintlar Creek (River Mile: 50 to 95)
| Year |
Days Fished¹ |
Trips² |
State Rank³ |
Regional Rank³ |
| 2007 |
19,835 |
333 |
26 |
10 |
| 2005 |
27,878 |
509 |
23 |
9 |
| 2003 |
19,217 |
449 |
35 |
12 |
| 2001 |
10,985 |
186 |
55 |
14 |
| 1999 |
33,395 |
786 |
22 |
9 |
Pintlar Creek to Headwaters (River Mile: 95 to 153)
| Year |
Days Fished¹ |
Trips² |
State Rank³ |
Regional Rank³ |
| 2007 |
4,378 |
69 |
105 |
26 |
| 2005 |
6,313 |
115 |
96 |
21 |
| 2003 |
6,026 |
137 |
100 |
26 |
| 2001 |
6,470 |
110 |
86 |
23 |
| 1999 |
11,374 |
282 |
67 |
19 |
| ¹ Estimated yearly fishing use in angler days (one angler fishing one body of water in one day for any amount of time). |
| ² The number of times that a section of water was reported as having been fished (used to estimate the number of "Days Fished"). |
| ³ How this section of water ranked among all surveyed sections in the state or region, based on "Days Fished" in a survey year. |
| |
Gauging Stations
- Big Hole River bl Big Lake Cr at Wisdom MT
- View Data
| River Mile: 111
- Big Hole River bl Mudd Cr nr Wisdom MT
- View Data
| River Mile: 89
- Big Hole River at Maiden Rock nr Divide MT
- View Data
| River Mile: 47
- Big Hole River near Melrose MT
- View Data
| River Mile: 30
- Big Hole River near Glen MT
- View Data
| River Mile: 18
