We drove through the Big Hole Valley a few days ago on our way to Bozeman and Billings. The slideshow below starts just east of Lost Trail Pass (it was snowing on our way over) and then visits the Big Hole River near Wisdom, Wise River, and Divide, Montana. Click the town names for more information on the Visit Montana site.
The river was big and fast, the weather was overcast and in the 45 degree range, but we saw a few boats with people fishing…not sure what the success rate was.
For USGS water data/flow information for the Big Hole River at Maiden Rock near Divide MT click this link.
Jack is a permited Fly Fishing Outfitter for the Big Hole, has fished and guided on it for over 30 years, and loves that special high mountain valley. Click Wapiti Waters Big Hole web page for more information, including more links.
To see the slideshow in a new window, click Big Hole River Slideshow on SmugMug.
Interesting facts about the Big Hole:
- With much of the valley floor above 6,000 feet in elevation, the Big Hole Valley is the highest & widest mountain valley of southwestern Montana.
- From it’s source in the Beavehead Mtns at 7,000 feet it flows down to 4,600 feet falling more than 1650 feet in elevation.
- The Big Hole River holds the last remaining native population of river-dwelling Arctic grayling (a species of concern)in the lower 48 states.
- Game Fish Opportunities:
Arctic Grayling, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Burbot, Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout
