[RW] Long Meadow on the Big Hole River

Explore 4 miles along the Big Hole River, famous for great trout fishing and designated as a Wild and Scenic River. The changing landscape and diverse plant life make the Big Hole River one of Montana’s unique fly fishing spots. Perfect for wade fishing, the river provides excellent access, especially when water levels are not excessively high. The banks are generally easy to navigate, though there are occasional steeper sections. The riverbed features rocks of different sizes, so exercise caution and consider bringing a wading staff for added stability. The parking area upstream is flat, providing convenient river access, and also serves as a camping spot. It’s accessible throughout the year. The main parking spot is centrally located on the property, a bit of a walk from the river but easily reachable. The two downstream parking areas are only accessible after the hay harvest. The Big Hole River stands out as the final habitat for naturally occurring fluvial Arctic Grayling in the lower 48 states. Its importance extends beyond preserving biodiversity, serving as a crucial resource for ranchers by irrigating meadows and providing exceptional opportunities for angling. This property is great for anglers who want to swing soft hackles or big streamers on a 2-handed rod. The river here opens up and straightens out more than its sister property upstream but is not froggy water, this river is still moving and has opportunistic fish throughout the expanse of the river. As the seasons unfold, the river showcases a variety of hatches. In April, skwala stoneflies, western March browns, and baetis take center stage. Early May marks the commencement of the famous Mother’s Day caddis hatch. June is a bustling month with the onset of the salmonfly hatch when water temperatures hit 55 degrees. This is followed by the emergence of golden stoneflies and yellow sallies. Be sure to stock your fly box with an array of patterns to make the most of the diverse and rewarding fly fishing experiences the Big Hole River has to offer. Please note, Under the Montana Stream Access Law, the public may use rivers and streams for recreational purposes up to the ordinary high-water mark. Although unlikely, you could potentially see other anglers while on this property. RareWaters mission is to spread the power of the outdoors and the inspiration to conserve it. To that end, we try our best to find properties that are away from the crowds for a serene fishing experience. The property is an active ranch and points of access may depend on the season. Cattle are also present throughout the year. Although we typically get your booking approved within a few hours, please allow up to 1 business day for booking confirmations. Camping prices are per vehicle. When booking please specify what you are camping in. Please practice “leave no trace” principles and pack out all trash. You will need to supply your own water. Propane fires allowed. Bear-proof food storage is required. This camping spot is good for tents, overland vehicles/vans, and truck campers. No large RVs or pull-behind camper: The reason for this is the access point drives over train tracks. Those vehicles could get high-centered. ***No signs are placed on this property at this time, you will need to leverage/download the GPS coordinates sent to you on the map. We love the TroutRoutes App.