Big Lost River

Tributary of the Dry Channel Big Lost River

  • Recommended Fishing Water

Big Lost River in Butte and Custer Counties is 186.8 miles in length.

Interactive Map
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The Big Lost River drainage provides a high quality stream fishery for anglers. Species present include brook trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and mountain whitefish. The scenery is outstanding, particularly in the upper reaches of the river. The river is intermittently dewatered downstream of the Blaine Diversion near the Rothwell Access site.

Facilities

Motor Restriction
No
Boat Ramp
No
Dock
No
Toilet
Yes
Campground
Yes
ADA Access
Yes

Directions

The Big Lost River drainage is located on the western edge of the Upper Snake Region. The river runs through the town of Mackay, and extends upstream to the Copper Basin. Make sure you have all the supplies you need before venturing past Mackay, as there are no services past this point. See the Fishing Planner Interactive Mapper for detailed information on facilities and access sites.

Recommended Game Fish

Species Observed in Surveys

Fish Stocking Records

Date Species Quantity General Size
6/28/2019 Rainbow Trout 3,000 Greater than 6 inches
4/27/2017 Rainbow Trout 252 Adults
10/14/2016 Cutthroat Trout 19,910 Less than 6 inches
9/22/2016 Rainbow Trout 1,000 Greater than 6 inches
4/13/2016 Rainbow Trout 4,512 Less than 6 inches
9/22/2006 Rainbow Trout 1,710 Greater than 6 inches
9/20/2006 Rainbow Trout 1,020 Greater than 6 inches
6/25/2003 Rainbow Trout 26,400 Less than 6 inches
7/22/2002 Rainbow Trout 900 Greater than 6 inches
7/8/2002 Rainbow Trout 500 Greater than 6 inches
6/26/2002 Rainbow Trout 500 Greater than 6 inches
6/10/2002 Rainbow Trout 525 Greater than 6 inches
8/24/2001 Rainbow Trout 350 Greater than 6 inches
7/24/2001 Rainbow Trout 518 Greater than 6 inches
7/10/2001 Rainbow Trout 500 Greater than 6 inches
6/19/2001 Rainbow Trout 500 Greater than 6 inches
6/5/2001 Rainbow Trout 499 Greater than 6 inches
6/1/2001 Rainbow Trout 400 Greater than 6 inches
7/24/2000 Rainbow Trout 500 Greater than 6 inches
7/10/2000 Rainbow Trout 500 Greater than 6 inches
6/26/2000 Rainbow Trout 500 Greater than 6 inches
6/13/2000 Rainbow Trout 500 Greater than 6 inches
7/20/1999 Rainbow Trout 612 Greater than 6 inches
7/13/1999 Rainbow Trout 340 Greater than 6 inches
7/21/1998 Rainbow Trout 1,013 Greater than 6 inches
7/7/1998 Rainbow Trout 585 Greater than 6 inches
6/22/1998 Rainbow Trout 1,050 Greater than 6 inches
6/9/1998 Rainbow Trout 578 Greater than 6 inches
8/8/1997 Rainbow Trout 120 Greater than 6 inches
7/22/1997 Rainbow Trout 576 Greater than 6 inches
7/9/1997 Rainbow Trout 580 Greater than 6 inches
8/20/1996 Rainbow Trout 60 Adults
7/22/1996 Rainbow Trout 780 Greater than 6 inches
7/8/1996 Rainbow Trout 750 Greater than 6 inches
6/27/1996 Rainbow Trout 1,500 Greater than 6 inches
7/25/1995 Rainbow Trout 756 Greater than 6 inches
7/19/1995 Rainbow Trout 760 Greater than 6 inches
7/10/1995 Rainbow Trout 750 Greater than 6 inches
6/29/1995 Rainbow Trout 791 Greater than 6 inches
7/15/1994 Rainbow Trout 750 Greater than 6 inches
7/1/1994 Rainbow Trout 790 Greater than 6 inches
6/17/1994 Rainbow Trout 765 Greater than 6 inches
6/3/1994 Rainbow Trout 590 Greater than 6 inches
5/27/1994 Rainbow Trout 167 Greater than 6 inches
7/29/1993 Rainbow Trout 750 Greater than 6 inches
7/15/1993 Rainbow Trout 787 Greater than 6 inches
6/29/1993 Rainbow Trout 760 Greater than 6 inches
6/10/1993 Rainbow Trout 760 Greater than 6 inches
7/17/1992 Rainbow Trout 570 Greater than 6 inches
7/6/1992 Rainbow Trout 475 Greater than 6 inches
6/26/1992 Rainbow Trout 256 Greater than 6 inches
6/19/1992 Rainbow Trout 475 Greater than 6 inches
6/10/1992 Rainbow Trout 247 Greater than 6 inches
6/4/1992 Rainbow Trout 247 Greater than 6 inches
5/22/1992 Rainbow Trout 440 Greater than 6 inches
7/16/1991 Rainbow Trout 850 Greater than 6 inches
7/3/1991 Rainbow Trout 756 Greater than 6 inches
6/14/1991 Rainbow Trout 770 Greater than 6 inches
5/30/1991 Rainbow Trout 813 Greater than 6 inches
7/25/1990 Rainbow Trout 750 Greater than 6 inches
7/18/1990 Rainbow Trout 250 Greater than 6 inches
7/11/1990 Rainbow Trout 750 Greater than 6 inches
6/13/1990 Rainbow Trout 750 Greater than 6 inches
6/1/1990 Rainbow Trout 750 Greater than 6 inches
7/20/1989 Rainbow Trout 800 Greater than 6 inches
6/8/1989 Rainbow Trout 1,476 Greater than 6 inches
7/21/1988 Rainbow Trout 1,540 Greater than 6 inches
7/7/1988 Rainbow Trout 1,680 Greater than 6 inches
6/28/1988 Rainbow Trout 1,540 Greater than 6 inches
6/7/1988 Rainbow Trout 1,650 Greater than 6 inches
7/27/1987 Rainbow Trout 440 Greater than 6 inches
7/21/1987 Rainbow Trout 1,320 Greater than 6 inches
7/15/1987 Brown Trout 37,060 Less than 6 inches
7/14/1987 Brown Trout 29,920 Less than 6 inches
6/30/1987 Rainbow Trout 2,640 Greater than 6 inches
6/10/1987 Rainbow Trout 220 Greater than 6 inches
6/8/1987 Rainbow Trout 2,640 Greater than 6 inches
5/21/1987 Rainbow Trout 220 Greater than 6 inches
5/20/1987 Rainbow Trout 2,640 Greater than 6 inches
8/5/1986 Rainbow Trout 4,650 Greater than 6 inches
8/4/1986 Rainbow Trout 1,500 Greater than 6 inches
7/14/1986 Brown Trout 81,600 Less than 6 inches
7/14/1986 Rainbow Trout 4,650 Greater than 6 inches
7/11/1986 Rainbow Trout 1,500 Greater than 6 inches
7/18/1985 Rainbow Trout 756 Greater than 6 inches
7/2/1985 Rainbow Trout 4,951 Greater than 6 inches
6/12/1985 Rainbow Trout 2,040 Greater than 6 inches
5/22/1985 Rainbow Trout 1,500 Greater than 6 inches
5/16/1985 Rainbow Trout 2,500 Greater than 6 inches
8/3/1984 Brown Trout 29,575 Less than 6 inches
7/25/1984 Rainbow Trout 9,400 Greater than 6 inches
7/24/1984 Rainbow Trout 4,700 Greater than 6 inches
8/29/1983 Rainbow Trout 4,568 Less than 6 inches
8/25/1983 Rainbow Trout 1,575 Less than 6 inches
7/25/1983 Rainbow Trout 5,250 Greater than 6 inches
7/1/1983 Rainbow Trout 1,576 Greater than 6 inches
8/24/1982 Rainbow Trout 1,560 Greater than 6 inches
8/13/1982 Rainbow Trout 1,045 Greater than 6 inches
7/21/1982 Rainbow Trout 1,440 Greater than 6 inches
7/15/1982 Rainbow Trout 2,990 Greater than 6 inches
5/26/1982 Rainbow Trout 3,600 Greater than 6 inches
8/20/1981 Rainbow Trout 812 Greater than 6 inches
7/31/1981 Rainbow Trout 1,612 Greater than 6 inches
7/2/1981 Rainbow Trout 11,410 Greater than 6 inches
5/22/1981 Rainbow Trout 1,800 Greater than 6 inches
5/13/1981 Rainbow Trout 2,400 Greater than 6 inches
10/17/1980 Brook Trout 150 Adults
8/29/1980 Rainbow Trout 2,160 Greater than 6 inches
8/15/1980 Rainbow Trout 1,500 Greater than 6 inches
8/8/1980 Rainbow Trout 540 Greater than 6 inches
8/7/1980 Rainbow Trout 1,620 Greater than 6 inches
7/25/1980 Rainbow Trout 1,400 Greater than 6 inches
7/2/1980 Rainbow Trout 1,860 Greater than 6 inches
5/19/1980 Rainbow Trout 4,000 Greater than 6 inches
7/13/1979 Rainbow Trout 1,980 Greater than 6 inches
6/13/1979 Rainbow Trout 2,300 Greater than 6 inches
5/23/1979 Rainbow Trout 4,830 Greater than 6 inches
8/25/1978 Rainbow Trout 3,080 Greater than 6 inches
8/23/1978 Rainbow Trout 220 Greater than 6 inches
8/15/1978 Brook Trout 495 Less than 6 inches
8/10/1978 Rainbow Trout 4,440 Greater than 6 inches
7/27/1978 Rainbow Trout 1,665 Greater than 6 inches
7/11/1978 Rainbow Trout 2,988 Greater than 6 inches
6/27/1978 Rainbow Trout 2,520 Greater than 6 inches
5/24/1978 Rainbow Trout 2,700 Greater than 6 inches
9/12/1977 Rainbow Trout 8,401 Less than 6 inches
8/2/1977 Rainbow Trout 2,520 Greater than 6 inches
6/21/1977 Rainbow Trout 1,440 Greater than 6 inches
5/24/1977 Rainbow Trout 1,320 Greater than 6 inches
8/3/1976 Rainbow Trout 2,900 Greater than 6 inches
7/13/1976 Rainbow Trout 2,062 Greater than 6 inches
7/2/1976 Rainbow Trout 2,160 Greater than 6 inches
5/26/1976 Rainbow Trout 4,800 Greater than 6 inches
9/29/1975 Rainbow Trout 5,600 Greater than 6 inches
9/4/1975 Rainbow Trout 3,300 Greater than 6 inches
9/3/1975 Rainbow Trout 3,800 Greater than 6 inches
8/13/1975 Rainbow Trout 2,000 Greater than 6 inches
8/6/1975 Rainbow Trout 1,920 Greater than 6 inches
7/22/1975 Rainbow Trout 4,800 Greater than 6 inches
6/13/1975 Rainbow Trout 4,200 Greater than 6 inches
5/21/1975 Rainbow Trout 3,800 Greater than 6 inches
9/6/1974 Rainbow Trout 3,500 Greater than 6 inches
9/3/1974 Rainbow Trout 3,360 Greater than 6 inches
8/26/1974 Rainbow Trout 3,300 Greater than 6 inches
8/16/1974 Rainbow Trout 1,920 Greater than 6 inches
8/6/1974 Rainbow Trout 2,160 Greater than 6 inches
7/16/1974 Rainbow Trout 2,160 Greater than 6 inches
7/15/1974 Rainbow Trout 1,800 Greater than 6 inches
7/2/1974 Rainbow Trout 3,500 Greater than 6 inches
5/16/1974 Rainbow Trout 1,800 Greater than 6 inches
8/20/1973 Rainbow Trout 2,200 Greater than 6 inches
8/13/1973 Rainbow Trout 2,800 Greater than 6 inches
8/2/1973 Rainbow Trout 2,040 Greater than 6 inches
8/1/1973 Rainbow Trout 1,360 Greater than 6 inches
7/26/1973 Brook Trout 15 Greater than 6 inches
7/26/1973 Rainbow Trout 45 Greater than 6 inches
7/19/1973 Rainbow Trout 1,800 Greater than 6 inches
7/12/1973 Rainbow Trout 3,200 Greater than 6 inches
7/2/1973 Rainbow Trout 4,480 Greater than 6 inches
6/13/1973 Rainbow Trout 3,840 Greater than 6 inches
6/12/1973 Rainbow Trout 1,920 Greater than 6 inches
5/29/1973 Rainbow Trout 3,840 Greater than 6 inches
5/25/1973 Rainbow Trout 1,440 Greater than 6 inches
5/16/1973 Brook Trout 600 Less than 6 inches
5/16/1973 Rainbow Trout 2,400 Less than 6 inches
5/3/1973 Rainbow Trout 4,560 Greater than 6 inches
4/11/1973 Rainbow Trout 3,900 Greater than 6 inches
8/23/1972 Rainbow Trout 900 Greater than 6 inches
8/22/1972 Rainbow Trout 3,720 Greater than 6 inches
8/17/1972 Rainbow Trout 1,680 Greater than 6 inches
8/10/1972 Rainbow Trout 3,120 Greater than 6 inches
7/26/1972 Rainbow Trout 1,800 Greater than 6 inches
7/19/1972 Rainbow Trout 6,080 Greater than 6 inches
7/13/1972 Rainbow Trout 1,680 Greater than 6 inches
7/6/1972 Rainbow Trout 4,080 Greater than 6 inches
6/27/1972 Rainbow Trout 3,600 Greater than 6 inches
6/26/1972 Rainbow Trout 1,500 Greater than 6 inches
5/30/1972 Brook Trout 240 Less than 6 inches
5/30/1972 Mountain Whitefish 320 Less than 6 inches
5/30/1972 Rainbow Trout 1,280 Greater than 6 inches
5/17/1972 Rainbow Trout 4,080 Greater than 6 inches
4/19/1972 Rainbow Trout 4,030 Greater than 6 inches
9/14/1971 Rainbow Trout 5,020 Greater than 6 inches
9/8/1971 Rainbow Trout 3,125 Greater than 6 inches
9/7/1971 Rainbow Trout 3,500 Greater than 6 inches
8/27/1971 Rainbow Trout 1,550 Greater than 6 inches
8/25/1971 Rainbow Trout 2,160 Greater than 6 inches
8/18/1971 Rainbow Trout 2,280 Greater than 6 inches
8/10/1971 Rainbow Trout 2,280 Greater than 6 inches
8/2/1971 Rainbow Trout 2,100 Greater than 6 inches
7/28/1971 Rainbow Trout 1,920 Greater than 6 inches
7/26/1971 Rainbow Trout 1,740 Greater than 6 inches
7/19/1971 Rainbow Trout 2,100 Greater than 6 inches
7/13/1971 Rainbow Trout 1,500 Greater than 6 inches
7/8/1971 Rainbow Trout 2,080 Greater than 6 inches
6/30/1971 Rainbow Trout 3,600 Greater than 6 inches
5/26/1971 Rainbow Trout 6,480 Greater than 6 inches
4/9/1971 Rainbow Trout 4,900 Greater than 6 inches
8/31/1970 Rainbow Trout 1,500 Greater than 6 inches
8/27/1970 Rainbow Trout 1,920 Greater than 6 inches
8/24/1970 Rainbow Trout 3,840 Greater than 6 inches
8/19/1970 Rainbow Trout 3,120 Greater than 6 inches
8/18/1970 Rainbow Trout 1,920 Greater than 6 inches
8/7/1970 Rainbow Trout 2,400 Greater than 6 inches
7/31/1970 Rainbow Trout 3,400 Greater than 6 inches
7/30/1970 Rainbow Trout 2,220 Greater than 6 inches
7/22/1970 Rainbow Trout 2,560 Greater than 6 inches
7/13/1970 Rainbow Trout 1,920 Greater than 6 inches
7/2/1970 Rainbow Trout 2,320 Greater than 6 inches
6/18/1970 Rainbow Trout 1,860 Greater than 6 inches
6/3/1970 Rainbow Trout 4,200 Greater than 6 inches
5/19/1970 Rainbow Trout 2,280 Greater than 6 inches
5/6/1970 Brook Trout 1,200 Less than 6 inches
5/6/1970 Rainbow Trout 480 Greater than 6 inches
4/9/1970 Rainbow Trout 1,500 Greater than 6 inches
4/4/1970 Brook Trout 600 Less than 6 inches
4/4/1970 Mountain Whitefish 1,200 Less than 6 inches
4/4/1970 Rainbow Trout 200 Less than 6 inches
9/10/1969 Rainbow Trout 1,750 Less than 6 inches
8/28/1969 Rainbow Trout 1,920 Less than 6 inches
8/27/1969 Rainbow Trout 5,280 Greater than 6 inches
8/25/1969 Rainbow Trout 4,200 Greater than 6 inches
8/19/1969 Rainbow Trout 4,560 Greater than 6 inches
8/5/1969 Rainbow Trout 4,200 Greater than 6 inches
7/31/1969 Rainbow Trout 2,640 Greater than 6 inches
7/30/1969 Rainbow Trout 2,800 Greater than 6 inches
7/15/1969 Rainbow Trout 3,960 Greater than 6 inches
7/1/1969 Rainbow Trout 1,920 Greater than 6 inches
9/16/1968 Rainbow Trout 3,600 Greater than 6 inches
9/6/1968 Rainbow Trout 3,600 Greater than 6 inches
8/29/1968 Rainbow Trout 1,400 Greater than 6 inches
8/23/1968 Rainbow Trout 2,100 Greater than 6 inches
8/7/1968 Rainbow Trout 2,700 Greater than 6 inches
7/23/1968 Rainbow Trout 1,500 Greater than 6 inches
7/22/1968 Rainbow Trout 1,500 Greater than 6 inches
7/16/1968 Rainbow Trout 1,560 Greater than 6 inches
7/10/1968 Rainbow Trout 1,620 Greater than 6 inches
6/18/1968 Rainbow Trout 1,740 Greater than 6 inches
5/28/1968 Rainbow Trout 1,500 Greater than 6 inches
5/8/1968 Rainbow Trout 3,990 Greater than 6 inches
4/24/1968 Rainbow Trout 1,720 Greater than 6 inches
4/2/1968 Rainbow Trout 5,280 Greater than 6 inches
Source: IDFG Fish Stocking Database.

Licenses and Tags

Learn more about IDFG Licenses, Tags & Permits
 

The Big Lost is managed under general fishing rules, and is one of the areas where anglers can harvest Yellowstone cutthroat trout from a stream.

Fishing Rules

All Waters Open All Year

Except as modified in Special Rules
Fishing is not allowed within the posted upstream and downstream boundary of any fish weir or trap.

Daily Bag Limits

The following daily bag limits apply to all waters within each region except as modified in the Special Rules. The possession limit is 3-times the daily bag limit after the second day of the season.

Special Rules

Big Lost River and tributaries
  • December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend - trout limit is 0, catch-and-release; whitefish limit is 0, catch-and-release
  • Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 - trout limit is 6; whitefish limit is 0, catch-and-release
Upper Snake Region Bag Limits
Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth)
  • Bass limit is 6, both species combined
Brook Trout
  • Brook Trout limit is 25
  • Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules - if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for Brook Trout
Bull Trout
  • Bull trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
Kokanee
  • Kokanee limit is 15
Sturgeon
  • Sturgeon limit is 0, catch-and-release
  • Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upon landing
  • Barbless hooks and sliding sinkers are required, see fishing regulations for details
Tiger Muskie
  • Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches
Trout
  • Trout limit is 6, all species combined
  • Does not include Bull Trout and Brook Trout which are listed separately
Whitefish
  • Whitefish limit is 25 - see Big Lost River exception
  • Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules - if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for whitefish
Protected Nongame Fish including Northern Leatherside Chub and Bluehead Sucker (also known as Green Sucker)
  • May not be harvested or possessed
All Other Fish Species includes bullfrogs and crayfish
  • No bag, size or possession limit
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