Come share our passion for Montana’s rivers...
Established in 1984 by long-time angler Craig Fellin, the Big Hole Lodge continues to offer world-renowned wild trout fishing, remarkable cuisine and comfortable accommodations in a secluded mountain setting. The Big Hole Lodge is truly one of the classic fly fishing lodge experiences in the American West.
Children at the Ranch
Great for children aged 12 and over
Environmental & Social Practices
Conservation
Upper Missouri Waterkeeper
Dedicated to protecting and improving the ecological and aesthetic quality of the Upper Missouri River Basin of Montana for present and future generations.
Upper Missouri Waterkeeper, Inc. is the only advocacy organization focused exclusively on protecting and improving the health of Montana’s Upper Missouri River Basin.
Upper Missouri Waterkeeper, Inc. uses a combination of strong science, community action, and legal expertise to defend the Upper Missouri River, its tributaries, and communities against threats to clean water and healthy rivers. Upper Missouri Waterkeeper works with communities and citizens to take a strong stance on the hard issues — to defend our waterways and communities from projects that would do harm and to fight for and secure new regulations and protections that will provide critical defense and progress in the future.
The Big Hole River Foundation
Working to conserve, enhance and protect the free-flowing character of the Big Hole River, its unique culture, fish and wildlife.
The Big Hole River Foundation was founded in 1988 by noted Montana conservationist, angler, and fly tier George F. Grant. The Big Hole River Foundation is a nonprofit science-based conservation organization dedicated to defending and conserving the natural and cultural resources of the Big Hole.
Known for its blue-ribbon trout fishery, the Big Hole flows undammed for 150 miles. The river is home to the last native, self-sustaining wild population of fluvial Arctic grayling in the lower forty-eight states. Our projects and programs are supported by diverse interests.
We work closely with local, state, and federal agencies, sportsmen organizations and conservationists. We fund our projects through our events, membership dues, donations, government grants, and individual foundation grants.
Ranch History
In 1984, Craig Fellin drove up the blue-ribbon Big Hole River, turned onto a washboard-rutted dirt road called the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway and founded Big Hole Lodge on 10 acres of river-front, surrounded by National Forest. During the early years, the capacity was just two guests, and clients ate and slept in the main house with Craig and his family.
Eventually, Craig stripped logs and built the dining lodge and three guest cabins, with views of the scenic Wise River Valley and the snow-capped Pioneer Mountains above.
Today, we're an Orvis-Endorsed award-winning Lodge, offering a personal, relaxing and intimate fly fishing vacation experiences. With a maximum of just 12 guests, we can offer exceptionally high levels of customer service and cater to a wide range of fly fishing interests and skill levels.
From the legendary Big Hole, Beaverhead and Bitterroot rivers, to spring creeks and small mountain streams or crystalline alpine lakes, breathtaking views will surround you as you enjoy some of the finest fly fishing in the country.
And whether you're a complete novice or an accomplished fly angler, our goal is to offer you an uncompromising fly fishing vacation of a lifetime.
Craig's son, Wade climbed the ranks from cake-batter-tester to lawn care and dishes, to guide, co-owner and manager. Perennial chefs Lanette and Casawndra, 25 years and 9 years respectively, engineer a second-to-none culinary experience.
Craig, Wade and the entire Big Hole Lodge family aim to make your trip the best fly fishing excursion you've ever experienced. Our veteran guides graciously impart intimate expertise in technique, entomology and stream savvy, to give you the best possible opportunities to land gorgeous Montana trout.
Our profound respect for the river, its unique culture and wildlife, and the surrounding beauty of southwestern Montana guides all of us at Big Hole Lodge in delivering quality that lives up to everything you've ever imagined a Montana fly fishing vacation could be.