Enjoy a Day of Dry Fly Fishing at the Big Hole with Water's Edge Outfitting

$
550
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
1 day
Brian O
Response rate: 
14%
Response time:
several hours
How often do you get to put your nymphs and streamers at home? Join us on a dry fly day to remember on the Big Hole. Enjoy fishing on one of the top blue ribbon fisheries in Montana with one of the most experienced Outfitters on the Big Hole. Regardless of ability gain new skills and techniques while enjoying the thrill of fishing dries.
 
Note
  • Depending on the season and what is catching, fly choices may change.
 
Highlights
  • Expert guide
  • BBQ shore lunch
What is Included:
Lunch
Drinks & Snacks
Flies
Tackle
Rates
Per
Capacity
Dates
Duration
Price
Boat
1 - 2
 anglers
Daily1 day
$
550
Availability
Fishing Waters
 (3)
The Big Hole River starts in the Beaverhead Mountains south of Jackson, Montana and flows on for about 156 miles. Beginning as a slight stream, it picks up muscle as it joins with ... morethe North Fork, and draws more volume as it passes through the Wise River basin. At the Continental Divide it changes its northeasterly direction and heads southeast until it joins the Beaverhead and forms the Jefferson River close to the town of Twin Bridges, Montana. It hosts one of the last known habitat for the native fluvial artic grayling but is best known to fly fishers for its trout.

Like so many Montana rivers, the Big Hole is as full of history as it is of water. When Lewis and Clark stumbled upon it, the river was providing a buffer zone between rival Indian tribes vying for land as they sagely anticipated the westward push of European miners, furriers and settlers. Fifty years later, a significant number of the Nez Percé, a tribe that had initially befriended the Expedition, refused to accept life on a reservation and were nearly wiped out by U.S. troops in the Battle of the Big Hole. Today’s battles consist of quarrels between ranchers who desire water for irrigation and recreational users who wish to see the water preserved.

Fishing the river can be basically divided into three sections. From the headwaters at Skinner Lake to Fish Trap, the river meanders slowly through high meadowlands. This is where the few remaining artic grayling can be found, although browns and rainbows are in abundance here. In the second section, Fish Trap to Melrose, you will find boulders and pocket water rushing through a narrow canyon; here rainbows outnumber the browns with an estimated 3000 fish per mile. The final section, Melrose to Twin Bridges, is lined with cottonwood bottoms, braided channels and long, slow pools. In contrast to the second link, browns outnumber rainbows 2 to 1 with approximately 3000 fish per mile.
Destination
 (2)
This is a small town with a big heart, a veritable fisherman’s paradise. Located near the fish-filled Madison River, and surrounded by the waters of Ennis Lake, the Ruby River, Hebgen ... moreLake, Quake Lake, Henry’s Lake, the Big Hole River and scores of smaller streams, the town boasts what many consider the best trout fishing in the world. As well known for its wranglers as its anglers, Ennis has succeeded in maintaining the look and feel of its original, gold town roots. Warm and hospitable, the area offers a wide variety of accommodations ranging from simple campsites, rustic motels and gracious hotels, to full-service, luxury resorts. Fly shops are numerous, stocked by local experts ready to advise and assist, while guides can be booked for trips throughout the area.

Boredom is the only thing unavailable in Ennis. Throughout the summer season the city hosts a series of events, including its renowned 4th of July Celebration Parade and a genuine, old-fashioned rodeo. In August, fly-fishing luminaries from around the US, flock to Montana to compete in the Madison Fly Fishing Festival. Athletes also find their way to Ennis to compete in the city’s Madison Trifecta, two shorter races followed by a full Marathon at 9000 feet, the highest elevation run in America. For the true sportsman, October falls in with the annual Hunter’s Feed. What’s caught, typically elk, moose deer, pheasant and bobcat, gets cooked on the streets and served up to hungry spectators.

Flanked by three grand mountain ranges, The Tobacco Root, Gravelly and Madison, Ennis is scenic and entertaining – truly an authentic, fly fisher’s haven.
Outfitter
 (1)
Welcome anglers of all skill levels. We invite you to join us on one of Montana's finest fishing adventures! Owner Brian O'Connor has been fishing Montana's rivers for over 18 years. ... more

Outfitter # 5937
Guides:
Type:
Fishing
Payment
Cancellation Policy
Standard
  • Cancellations made 14 days before will be fully refunded.
  • Cancellations made 7 days before will be refunded 50% of the amount paid.
  • Cancellations made at a later date will not be refunded.
Payment directly with Enjoy a Day of Dry Fly Fishing at the Big Hole with Water's Edge Outfitting.
1 reviews   0 comments
Communication
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Outfitter Review
Brian O'Connor, just don't come no better!!
I have fished all over the Southeast US, California, Idaho, Wyoming, Florida Keys, Honduras, Panama and Ecuador. Brian is he hardest working guide with whom I have fished. There were eight of us in a group fishing the Big Hole. My fishing partner and I each caught more fish on a single day with Brian than the other six caught over three days. Brian knows this water, knows where the fish are going ... more to be and what they patterns they will take. We changed fly types several times over the day to match the fish and conditions all on Brian's knowledge. He often would exit the raft and wade to locate the fish in the runs then direct us on how to fish them. Never have had a more hardworking guide than Brian.
Communication
Scheduling
Advice
Boat Comfort
1
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