Sep 18, 2026

***2026 MT LICENSE SEASON UPDATE***

As of 03/01/2026 all Montana Fishing Licenses, Conservation Licenses and all other recreation licenses are now ONLINE purchase only. Please visit FWP website to obtain your 2026 season licenses.

The Bighole is low. Currently 2 stretches of the river are fully closed due to drought. The following closures are in effect:

Drought closure (fishing prohibited 24 hrs) is in effect for two sections of the Big Hole River

Section 1: Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadow Road to the confluence with the North Fork of the Big Hole River starting August 13

Flows in Section 1 dropped below closure criteria (20 cfs) and remained near or below that threshold since August 5. Water temperatures and flows were measured at USGS gage 06024450 near Wisdom.

Section 5: Tony Schoonen FAS to the confluence with the Beaverhead River starting August 13

Water temperatures were measured at USGS gage 06026420 near Twin Bridges. Flows in Section 5 dropped overnight on August 10 and were below closure criteria (100 cfs) by the morning of August 11.

In the cooler zones the Beatis and some suedo BWO's have been popping up and a few nocturnal stones are kicking around as well. The foam bug dropper rig has been consistent throughout the river. Hoppers are kicking around as well. Don't be afraid to throw those terrestrials around on a windy day. Ants and beetles have been boating quite a few fish. Caddis style droppers are getting it done subsurface, as are dark stones, and your general attractor nymphs. When fish are getting a little tricky, try swinging a few soft hackles through the riffles. The streamer bite has been picking up out here as well, but it's been a finesse game in the low water. Leave the big heavy stuff at home. Down sizing has been a great option throughout the day. Keep in mind if you head this way, it is raft season out here. Hard sides can be a bit tricky in the canyon stretches when the water is this low.