Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reopened Section 1 of the Big Hole River to fishing effective October 27, 2025 in accordance with the Big Hole River Drought Management Plan. Section 2 is also open to fishing.
Sections 3–5 remain under fall spawning closure to protect the fishery during this critical period when brown trout are actively spawning and vulnerable to disturbance.These closures are set annually and are part of a long-standing, science-based approach to sustain wild trout populations while still allowing responsible public access where appropriate.
Read the press release from MFWP, here:
Full fishing closure lifted on section of Big Hole River
Oct 27, 2025 3:31 PM
HELENA – The full fishing closure on Section 1 of the Big Hole River, which is from Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to the confluence with the North Fork of the Big Hole River, has been lifted. Flow on the section reached the reopening criteria of 40 cubic feet per second for seven days. The closure had been in effect since July 19. The spawning closures downstream that went into effect Oct. 1 remain in place.
To check the status of other restrictions, click here.
FWP’s drought policy provides for angling restrictions when flows drop below critical levels for fish, when water quality is diminished or when maximum daily water temperatures reach at least 73 degrees for three consecutive days.
Along with monitoring stream temperatures, FWP also monitors stream flows and in some streams holds instream flow water rights. FWP’s water program can issue a call on junior water users, when appropriate, to contribute to stream flows through the late summer and early fall. For more information on FWP water rights, click here.
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Managing for a Moving Target
River conditions on the Big Hole fluctuate throughout the summer and fall due to weather, precipitation, and irrigation demand. The Drought Management Plan provides a structured, cooperative way to respond to those changing conditions while protecting fish and maintaining shared use of the river.
Stay Informed – Text or Email Alerts
Anglers and stakeholders can get weekly drought updates—including streamflow, water temperature, and river section status—by:
• Texting DROUGHT to 26989
• Signing up for BHWC email alerts at https://bhwc.org
For realtime river status updates, visit:
https://bhwc.org/river-conditions
Thank you for following seasonal closures and drought guidance—your actions directly support the long-term health of the Big Hole fishery.