Beaverhead River

Clark Canyon Reservoir built in 1964 is the beginning of the Beaverhead river, thought by many to be Montana's premier trophy trout river.  The Ruby mountain range rises to the east of the river and to the west the Pioneer Mountains, dividing the Beaverhead & Big Hole Valley.  Before the construction of the dam most of the water in the river would disappear by the August, but now the dam captures the water and releases it as needed for the farmers and ranchers.  This created a highly productive river and also one of the greatest reservoir fisheries in the state.  An average size trout in Clark Canyon is probably around 2 pounds.  Fishermen flock to this large reservoir throughout the year.

The Beaverhead is a winding, narrow river that is full of thick tight vegetation.  Casting tight into the banks will produce violent takes from the big brown trout that lay at its banks.  A strong leader is well recommended for fishing this river.  Although the river doesn't see a Salmon Fly hatch, it does however have a Crane-fly hatch that can be just as exciting.  Some of the most famous patterns today, originated on the Beaverhead.  The Girdle Bug was developed for the Crane-fly hatch and works its magic well on this fabulous river.   Tied in several different colors an angler can't go wrong when casting these simple, but effective fly.  The river also sees hatches of B.W.O.'s, Caddis, P.M.D.'s, Midges, and has exciting Hopper fishing in the summer months.

The lower river, below Barretts Diversion Dam can be waded easily.  The upper river although is a different story.  A floating watercraft of some sorts will be needed to access this section of the river.   The upper river receives most of the angling pressure.  There are some camping areas on the upper river located at Pipe Organ & Poindexter, but there are none below the town of Dillon.

The average fish size in the upper river varies from 18 to 21 inches, and holds the larger population of rainbows.  The lower rivers fish sizes varies from 15 to 17 inches.  A study conducted by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks several years back revealed 1900 fish per mile over 16 inches in length and 700 fish per mile over 20 inches in length in the upper stretches.  Studies in the lower river where somewhat smaller.

For a complete look at the current water flows and stream temperatures of the Beaverhead click here.

If you would like to purchase a detail map of the Beaverhead, click here.

Click here for a map of the Beaverhead

Here are just a few of the recommend patterns for fly-fishing the Beaverhead river: