Keep in mind that the Big Hole flows from over 7,000 feet down to an elevation of 4,600 feet. The Big Hole is many things to many people. To me, it is one of Montana's finest trout streams and that is why I keep going back. But besides fishing, the area offers kayaking, hunting, rock-hounding, gold panning, as well as rock climbing in the Humbug Spires. Wildlife along the Big Hole is abundant, with large populations of deer, elk and antelope.
Black bears are common in the upper valley, but there is no grizzly habitat.
One of the largest winter ranges for moose in Montana is between Wisdom and Ralston. Of course, there are smaller animals along the river, beaver, mink, and otter being the most interesting, as well as a myriad of birds, including a variety of waterfowl. From the Big Hole River, part of the River Journal series, published by Frank Amato Publications. We greatly appreciate use permission.