The Big Hole River comes to life in the Beaverhead Mountains south of Jackson, Montana, as the outlet of Skinner Lake, elevation 7,340. Throughout the 155.6 miles it flows, the Big Hole takes on many faces. From its beginning as a small mountain stream, the Big Hole flows north to Wisdom, where it gains strength by joining with the North Fork and flows northeasterly for about 25 miles. It then flows 27 miles eastward past Wise River and Divide, gaining more volume from several creeks, as well as Wise River itself. At Divide the river changes course to the south and is paralleled by interstate 15 for 17 miles. Then, at Glen the Big Hole heads southeast for its remaining 25 miles to the point where it joins the Beaverhead, and forms the Jefferson River, near Twin Bridges, Montana, at an elevation of 4,600 feet. Much of the Big Hole's water comes from the Beaverhead, Pioneer and Anaconda Mountains. Fishing on the Big Hole River has always been popular. This river is one of Montana's best, with a diversity that's hard to match. Click here for more photos.

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