What special fishing regulations apply at Big Hole River?

Big Hole River carries 4 special-regulation overlays that override Montana's statewide 2026 rules, covering Rainbow trout, Brown trout, and Cutthroat trout (native westslope + Yellowstone). One of them reads: "Arctic grayling CATCH-AND-RELEASE only (entire river — last fluvial population in lower 48, FWP Species of Concern); headwaters to Dickie Bridge combined trout 5 / day no size restriction; Dickie Bridge to the mouth CATCH-AND-RELEASE only (Apr 1 – Sept 30), artificial lures + single-pointed hooks only; float-outfitting restricted by reach + day of week." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Big Hole River?

Yes. Big Hole River is in Montana, so a valid Montana fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Big Hole River; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Montana rules.

Do Big Hole River's special rules replace Montana's statewide limits?

Only where they conflict. Montana's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Big Hole River by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.

Which species have special rules on Big Hole River?

Rainbow trout, Brown trout, and Cutthroat trout (native westslope + Yellowstone) have a water-body-specific rule on Big Hole River, each linking to its full Montana regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Montana limits.

2026 regulation year

Big Hole River 2026 — Montana Fishing Regulations

Montana statewide rules apply unless overridden below.

Last updated June 8, 2026

Big Hole River carries 4 special-regulation overlays on top of Montana's 2026 fishing rules — covering Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Cutthroat trout (native westslope + Yellowstone). Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.

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State-level special regulation

Arctic grayling CATCH-AND-RELEASE only (entire river — last fluvial population in lower 48, FWP Species of Concern); headwaters to Dickie Bridge combined trout 5 / day no size restriction; Dickie Bridge to the mouth CATCH-AND-RELEASE only (Apr 1 – Sept 30), artificial lures + single-pointed hooks only; float-outfitting restricted by reach + day of week
Source: Montana special-water list

Per-species rules on Big Hole River

Rainbow trout regulations →
Headwaters to Dickie Bridge combined trout 5 / day; Dickie Bridge to mouth catch-and-release only; arctic grayling catch-and-release (entire river)
Brown trout regulations →
Headwaters to Dickie Bridge combined trout 5 / day no size restriction; Dickie Bridge to the mouth catch-and-release only (Apr 1 – Sept 30)
Cutthroat trout (native westslope + Yellowstone) regulations →
0 / day CATCH-AND-RELEASE-ONLY on listed native westslope cutthroat reaches

Official source

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) publishes the authoritative 2026 Montana fishing regulations. Special-regulation lakes and rivers are listed in the agency booklet — always verify before fishing.

Visit official Montana fishing regulations →

Emergency-order channel

In-season closures, slot-limit changes, and run-count-driven harvest pauses are posted to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks's emergency-order feed — check it before any Montana trip during the active season.

Other special-regulation waters in Montana

Browse all water bodies →

Frequently asked questions

What special fishing regulations apply at Big Hole River?: Big Hole River carries 4 special-regulation overlays that override Montana's statewide 2026 rules, covering Rainbow trout, Brown trout, and Cutthroat trout (native westslope + Yellowstone). One of them reads: "Arctic grayling CATCH-AND-RELEASE only (entire river — last fluvial population in lower 48, FWP Species of Concern); headwaters to Dickie Bridge combined trout 5 / day no size restriction; Dickie Bridge to the mouth CATCH-AND-RELEASE only (Apr 1 – Sept 30), artificial lures + single-pointed hooks only; float-outfitting restricted by reach + day of week." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Big Hole River?: Yes. Big Hole River is in Montana, so a valid Montana fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Big Hole River; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Montana rules.
Do Big Hole River's special rules replace Montana's statewide limits?: Only where they conflict. Montana's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Big Hole River by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.
Which species have special rules on Big Hole River?: Rainbow trout, Brown trout, and Cutthroat trout (native westslope + Yellowstone) have a water-body-specific rule on Big Hole River, each linking to its full Montana regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Montana limits.

← Back to Montana regulations overview