Lightning Bug
Olive Serendipity
Lime Green Midge
Palomino Midge
Prince
Sawyer's Pheasant Tail
Scud
Sparkle Pupa
Yellow Prince
WD-40
Yellow Sally Nymph
Float fishing is arguably the most enjoyable way to experience the Yellowstone.Photo by Brian Grossenbacher.
Top MontanaFly Fishing Waters
Photos by Brian Grossenbacher.
Beaverhead River
If you believe that good things come in small packages, then you will certainly find a gem in the Beaverhead River. The Beaverhead originates below the Clark Canyon reservoir and twists and turns for more than 80 miles until it merges with the Ruby and then the Big Hole River to form the Jefferson. Although small in stature, the Beaverhead is not lacking for large trout, and in fact has built a reputation as a trophy brown trout fishery. The Beaverhead has good dry fly fishing, but it is primarily a small nymph river.
Popular patterns include Pheasant Tails, Hare's Ears, Serendipities, Brassies, Miracle Nymphs and Copper Johns all in the #16-20 range. The brushy banks and deep pools of the Beaverhead favor the float fishermen throughout all but the lowest flows (below 300 CFS).
The Beaverhead is one of the busiest rivers in Montana and crowding is a concern at peak season. Restrictions have been placed on the river, both for guides and out-of-state anglers. Check in at one of the local fly shops or the Fish Wildlife and Parks (406) 994-4042 for updated restrictions. To avoid crowding, consider that 90% of guides meet their clients at 8:00 am and fish until 5:00 or 6:00 pm. Time your fishing to put in ahead of the guides or after. One of the most memorable days of flyfishing in Montana occurred when Jenny and I put in at Henneberry at 2:30 on a late July afternoon, and fished until dark. By that time we were behind all of the other boats and enjoyed the evening caddis hatch to ourselves.
The Beaverhead is commonly divided into 3 sections. The first section from Clark Canyon to Barretts Dam has the greatest concentration of large fish and, unfortunately, fishermen. These fish are cagey veterans and require accurate, drag-free presentations, and delicate tippet. Be prepared to lose plenty of flies both to the fish and the heavy brush thoroughly lining the twisting banks of the Beaverhead. Access is easily gained via multiple exits off Highway 15 South from Dillon.
The second section is from Barretts Dam to Dillon. The fish counts drop in this section and, not surprisingly, so do angler numbers. As a result the fish are not as particular and larger flies and heavier tippets can be used. Due to the large volume of water diverted at Barretts, mid-summer flows can be a problem for floaters. Access is limited to Barretts, Tash Bridge, and Cornell Park via access road 222 out of Dillon. However, there are still decent numbers of large fish in this section and because they are not as picky, your success may be similar to fishing the upper section.
The lower third of the Beaverhead broadens and slows as the river approaches Twin Bridges. The river flows through open farmland, and the temperatures increase in the late summer months. Access is again limited, but this seclusion can offer opportunities to enjoy a less-populated Beaverhead. Due to the fluctuations in temperature, fishing in this stretch is most productive in the spring, early summer and fall. Access at Anderson Lane Bridge, Beaverhead Rock and Twin Bridges are clearly marked and accessible off Highway 41 between Twin Bridges and Dillon.
Regardless of the stretch you choose, the Beaverhead is a demanding float in which the oarsman must continually battle tight turns, swift currents, irrigation diversions, and the occasional fence across the river.
Jenny Grossenbacher and Maddie on the Upper Beaverhead. Photo by Brian Grossenbacher.
Types of Fish:
Brown and Rainbow Trout, Whitefish.
Known Hatches:
Early April-Early June: Baetis.
May-September: Caddis.
Late June-July: Yellow Sallies.
Late June-Early August: Pale Morning Duns (PMDs), Hoppers.
August-September: Tricos, Spruce Moths, Craneflies.
Late September-October: Baetis.
Equipment to Use:
Rods: 5-6 weight, 8½-9 feet in length. Lines: Floating line. Leaders: 9-12' 4-6x for dry, 7½-9' 3-4x for nymphs, 7½' 0-2x fluorocarbon for streamers. Wading: Difficult except at low water, brushy banks.
Flies to Use:
Dries: Griffith's Gnat #18-22, CDC Olive Emerger #18-22, Elk Hair Caddis #12-18, Goddard Caddis #10-16, Parachute Adams #16-20, Royal Wulff #10-16, PMX #8-14, Ants #12-20, Beetles #14-18, Parachute Trico #20-24, Stimulator #14-18, Hoppers #6-12, Turk's Tarantula #8-12, Darbee Cranefly #8-14.
Nymphs: Pheasant Tail #14-20, Brassie #18-22, Serendipity #16-22, Lightning Bugs #16-18, Copper Johns #12-18, Hare's Ears #12-18, Sparkle Pupa #12-20, San Juan Worms, Wet Ants #12-18, Cranefly larvae #8-12.
Streamers: Woolly Bugger, JJ Special, Muddler & Clouser Minnow.
When to Fish: