Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks re-opened Big Hole River Section 5 to fishing effective Tuesday, September 22, 2026 in accordance with the Big Hole River Drought Management Plan.
Read the press release from FWP, here:
Angling closure lifted on Section 5 of Big Hole River
Sep 22, 2026 11:56 AM
Spawning closures on some rivers begin October 1
HELENA – Due to improved flows because of rain over the weekend, the angling closure on Section 5 of the Big Hole River has been lifted. Section 5 extends from Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site (Notch) to the confluence with the Beaverhead River.
The Section 1 closure will remain in place. Section 1 extends from Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to the confluence with the North Fork of the Big Hole River.
An annual fishing closure on the Big Hole River from Dickie Bridge to the Jefferson River will go into effect on Oct. 1 to protect trout during spawning seasons. These annual fishing closures also happen on sections of the Ruby and Beaverhead rivers.
Anglers can reduce stress on fish at all times of the year by getting fish to the net or in hand quickly, keeping them in the water, and reviving them prior to releasing them back into the river.
To view drought-related fishing restrictions and closures that remain in effect, click here.