The Big Hole River holds a special place in my heart. The Big Hole River winds through high mountain meadows, ranch lands and steep, rocky canyons in it’s search for the Beaverhead River. Once scouted by Lewis and Clark as a possible route the Pacific Ocean, the Big Hole River is rich with history. A great brown and rainbow trout fishery, the Big Hole will keep you on your toes with its ever changing seasonal conditions. As runoff begins to subside, all eyes are on the submerged willow banks, everyone is trying to catch a glimpse of the first salmon fly of the year and the kickoff to the summer fishing season. Chasing big stonefly patterns down the willow lines and rocky banks can be exhilarating. Many hatches follow suit including Golden Stones, Green Drakes, PMD’s, Yellow Sallies and a wide variety of caddis. As summer settles in the nocturnal stone flies show up and fish also begin to look for terrestrial patterns like hoppers, beetles and ants. The Big Hole River is also home to fluvial Arctic Grayling and is the last river in the lower 48 to boast a wild and naturally reproducing population. If you’re lucky enough, you may find one at the end of your line.