Beaverhead County, MT · Inland River
Big Hole River
A storied southwest-Montana river holding the last river-dwelling Arctic grayling in the lower 48 alongside wild brown, rainbow, and brook trout. A free-flowing freestone famous for the salmonfly hatch and big-water dry-fly fishing.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout & Brook Trout — tied at the top (68/100)
3 species tied for best of 3 tracked at Big Hole River.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Big Hole River
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 3 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Rainbow Trout Workable day for Rainbow Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
Last verified 100 days ago on 2026-06-01. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 3
Western District streams: 3 trout daily and in possession (all species combined), only 1 longer than 14".
Source: Montana Western District regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
#1 Brown Trout Workable day for Brown Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Salmo trutta — Naturally reproduces in the Gunpowder River tailwater (Loch Raven below Prettyboy) and several Western MD streams; also heavily stocked. Typically more wary than rainbows. Classic mayfly hatches on the Gunpowder — sulphurs, BWOs, caddis. Streamer-eaters after dark.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
Last verified 100 days ago on 2026-06-01. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 3
Western District streams: 3 trout daily and in possession (all species combined), only 1 longer than 14".
Source: Montana Western District regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
#1 Brook Trout Workable day for Brook Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Salvelinus fontinalis — Maryland's only native trout and a conservation priority species. Surviving wild populations are in small, cold headwater streams in Garrett, Allegany, and a few pockets of central/western MD. Small, aggressive, and spectacularly colored — sensitive to warming and habitat loss.
Prefers. Water 40–65°F (ideal 52°F) · either tide · depth 1–10 ft.
Last verified 12 days ago on 2026-08-28. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 20
Montana Western District: 20/day. Non-native — harvest encouraged. General river/stream season mid-May through Nov 30; no size limit.
Source: Montana Western District regulations · verified 2026-08-28.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Montana Western District
Coordinates
Notes
Montana Western District: 3 trout/day. The native Arctic grayling are catch-and-release — handle with care.
Local reports & rules for Big Hole River: Montana FWP fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Big Hole River?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Big Hole River you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Big Hole River?
Big Hole River is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Big Hole River?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Big Hole River against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Big Hole River have?
Big Hole River has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. Montana Western District: 3 trout/day. The native Arctic grayling are catch-and-release — handle with care.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Big Hole River?
state agency regulations apply at Big Hole River. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Big Hole River tidal water?
No. Big Hole River is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.