Salmon Fly

Salmon Fly (also known as Fish and Game or The Dead Zone) is a public boat access point located at River Mile 38 on the Big Hole River in Beaverhead County, Montana. This gravel ramp provides a convenient launch point for kayakers, canoeists, and boaters exploring this popular Montana waterway. The site offers basic access with trailer parking available, making it suitable for a range of watercraft.

This access point is strategically positioned along the Big Hole River's float section, with nearby alternatives including Brownes Bridge (Mile 32) and Glenn (Mile 25) downstream. Note that while the gravel ramp is functional, it is unimproved, so boaters with larger vehicles or low-clearance trailers may want to verify conditions before arrival. The Salmon Fly access serves as a good jumping-off point for multi-day float trips, as several other public access sites lie downstream for take-out options.

The surrounding area offers additional recreation opportunities, including proximity to the Humbug Spires Wilderness Study Area and the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Summer offers extended daylight hours—staying light well past 10 p.m. in June and July—providing ample time for paddling and fishing on the Big Hole River.