Complete Fly Fisher

09/01/2026

There is nothing like a Big Hole Valley sunrise.

📷: Max Lewis

08/31/2026

There are more species of game fish—and more ways to catch them—than you can shake a long, bendy stick at. But if there's one thing common to anglers across the globe, it has to be the grip-n-grin photo. You know, the one where you hold up a fish for a quick snapshot by your fishing buddy before you release it safely back into the water (or into a cooler, if you're practicing catch & cook).

The practice of catch-and-release as a conservation tool has been a resounding success, in that it allows anglers to practice their craft while protecting the viability of game fish populations where necessary. Its effect on the grip-n-grin photo is decidedly less successful, unless you're counting the hilarity that ensues when the delicate hold necessitated by proper catch-and-release technique results in a premature escape of the subject in hand.

A long-running friend group had the run of the place last weekend, and they enjoyed some stellar fishing on the Big Hole and on one of the lakes we frequent when clients get a hankering for stillwater action. As it happens, the two gentlemen in these photos are both named Steve. However, based on our extensive history with this sort of thing, we can 100% declare that Steve-ness plays no material role in premature fish releases. We've all been there, Steve!

Big thanks to the group for bringing a high level of energy and fun to the lodge, and to the Steves for agreeing to share these photos!

08/21/2026

Thanks to an unusually mild winter and the longest, strangest spring runoff in recent history, we—along with a whole host of other folks, organizations, and businesses that are emotionally and financially invested in the health of this astounding piece of water—had some concerns about the Big Hole coming into the dog days of late summer.

But one thing Mother Nature teaches us, year in and year out, is that she is, always has been, and always will be, an enigma. A series of summer storms over the past few weeks brought an infusion of cold water to the valley and that, combined with longer and colder nights, has resulted in the lifting of hoot-owl restrictions on the main body of the river.

We'll keep an eye on water temps going forward, of course, but we're hugely grateful for this turn for the better on the river we know and love more than anything else.

You can keep tabs on the Big Hole at bhwc dot org/river-conditions.

08/18/2026

08/14/2026

Last year, Brandon brought a half-dozen of his fishing buddies to CFF for a late summer trip. Word got out about the excellent fishing and lodge experience, so this year his group more than doubled and they took over the whole place!

Their trip last week featured epic fishing on the Big Hole as well as excursions to one of the lakes we use when guests get a hankering for water variety. These stillwater locations also present a great opportunity for less-experienced fly anglers to learn how to play and land large trout on a fly rod.

These still(water) photos are from guide Kelly, and feature, in order: Brandon, Pete, Dan, and Pat. Nice work, fellas! We'll see you next year.

08/07/2026

Being on the banks of the Big Hole River and all, we tend to put the vast majority of our fishing focus on our home river. Why wouldn't we? It's among the finest trout rivers on the planet, it holds five different game fish (in addition to cutthroat, rainbow, brown, and brook trout, the BH is home to the only population of fluvial grayling in the lower 48), it flows through the monumentally beautiful Big Hole Valley, and did we mention it is literally steps away from our back door?

Many Complete Fly Fisher clients—even long-returning ones—are thrilled to fish the Big Hole all day, every day. But the human mind is built to wander, and it's always good to have a backup option during times of extreme water conditions. That's why we're licensed to fish other rivers in the surrounding areas—the Beaverhead, Jefferson, and Bitterroot rivers among them—as well as several stillwater locations. These ponds and lakes (a mix of public and private) are dynamic fisheries in their own right and hold some truly monstrous trout.

Last week marked the fifth consecutive year that Roy has visited us (six trips in total), and he and guide Kelly enjoyed some fabulous days on the Big Hole. But Roy also has a taste for stillwater fishing, so he and Kelly ventured out to one of the aforementioned lakes, where they had a day for the ages. The two fish pictured here are but a sample of the run of fine rainbows landed by the pair.

In keeping with the hallowed angling tradition of non-disclosure, we've made slight adjustments to the background of these pictures. But we guarantee that these are actual pictures of Roy at work!

08/05/2026

Slim made another friend earlier this year, which in and of itself is no surprise. Slim is a hella nice fella, a good conversationalist, and he puts people on fish like nobody's business. On the Big Hole River, Slim is exactly the kind of friend you want to have.

Slim's new friend is Phyllis, who happens to be the mother of Max, who happens to be a Destination Manager for Fly Water Travel, one of the top travel services for fly anglers in the world. Max and Phyllis visited Complete Fly Fisher earlier this spring. It had been a while since Max's last visit, and one thing we learned very quickly about Max is that he is extremely vested in making sure the places he sends his clients are up to the high standards he and Fly Water expect.

Max and Phyllis decided to make a road trip of it, and we can attest that they are wonderful folks and excellent company. Around the dinner table the night before they fished with Slim, Max mentioned that Phyllis is one of the better fly anglers he knows. Then she went out the next day and proved it. But don't take our word for it—Max wrote a blog post about the trip, which we've linked in our profile. Enjoy!

08/01/2026

Fishing days at Complete Fly Fisher begin early this time of year. Coffee, smoothies, and light breakfast items are available at 6:00am, followed by a sumptuous breakfast feast in the spectacular River Room beginning at 7:00am for those seeking a more substantial foundation for the long day ahead.

Early risers find the River Room an excellent place for reflection, both internal and external.

07/28/2026

Paul first came to Complete Fly Fisher last spring, when he attended a retreat run by the incomparable Christine Grimm. He enjoyed the retreat so much that he rebooked for another one this spring AND added a trip in early summer so his son Nick—who had been enthralled by his dad’s fishing stories—could join him for a Montana adventure.

These pics tell a story that never gets old. The bond between father and son is not just sacred, it’s as eternal as the cycle of life itself. We fully realize how fortunate we are for the opportunity to facilitate these magical moments, season in and season out. It’s why we do what we do. So thanks, Paul, for bringing your amazing kid to CFF. We hope to see you two next year, and for as long as you find inspiration, joy, and connection here on the banks of the Big Hole River!

1. Nick with a stud rainbow just before the skies unleashed a classic Montana summer rain/snowstorm! (📷: Paul S.)
2: Guide Dan Kimzey with another dandy 'bow landed by Nick (📷: Paul S.)
3. Paul & Nick share a moment at the lodge (📷: Rolanda Brown)
4. Paul & Nick, selfie-style (📷: Paul S.)
5. The barn, Paul & Nick's home away from home (📷: Paul S.)

07/22/2026

The first photo features a quartet of Complete Fly Fisher clients from late June. What's notable here, besides the ear-to-ear smiles, is the composition of the group itself. Three of these fine gentlemen have been visiting CFF for at least 20 years. The fourth? This year marked his 35th(!) trip to CFF, and he's the one who introduced the relative newcomers to the place some two decades ago. When we say our return clients are like family to us, this is exactly who and what we mean. Say hello to (l-r) Bill, John, Kuppy (the ringleader), and Charlie!

The second photo features some trout candy landed by Bill, a skilled and tenacious angler who has earned the respect of guide Kelly (pictured) for his commitment to the streamer game here on the Big Hole. Keep on chuckin' and duckin', Bill!