From opening day on the third Saturday in May throughout the summer the Beaverhead fishes well, especially up higher where the water temperatures are kept cool by the Clark Canyon Reservoir. By the time mid July rolls around the crowding is not as big of an issue. The warmer temperatures and lower flows of late summer slow down the fishing, however it picks up again in fall with the movement of the big browns.
Seasons & Limits:
The standard fishing regulations for the Central fishing district apply. Please check the Montana Fishing Regulations and Etiquette section.
Exceptions to Standard Regulations
Clark Canyon Dam to Anderson Lane
Combined Trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 18 inches and only 1 rainbow trout.
Clark Canyon Dam to Pipe Organ Bridge
Open third Saturday in May through November 30.
High Bridge FAS to Henneberry FAS
Closed to float fishing by nonresidents and float outfitting on each Saturday from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
Henneberry FAS to Pipe Organ Bridge
Closed to float fishing by nonresidents and float outfitting on each Sunday from the third Sunday in May through Labor Day.
Downstream from Pipe Organ Bridge
Open entire year.
Highway 91 South Bridge (Tash Bridge) to Selway Bridge
Closed to float outfitting from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
Anderson Lane Downstream to Mouth (Near Twin Bridges)
Combined Trout: 5 daily and in possession, 1 over 18 inches, only 1 may be a rainbow trout.
Nearby Fly Fishing:
Clark Canyon Reservoir, Poindexter Slough, Big Hole River, and Ruby River.
Accommodations & Services:
Dillon is about 20 miles downstream from the best section of fishing. There are many lodges and rental cabins in Dillon, including Tom Smith's Backcountry Angler (406-683-3402, www.backcountryangler.com), where you can also find a fly shop. The best camping is arguably at Clark Canyon Reservoir.
Rating: 8
The top 10 miles of the Beaverhead down from the Clark Canyon Reservoir rank a solid 9 due to the trophy trout to be found. Below the first stretch mentioned above, the fishing tapers off significantly, warranting only a 7 for a rating. All said, the Beaverhead offers a classic tailwater fishing experience surrounded by other excellent fishing opportunities.
A nice brown ready for release. Photo by Brian Grossenbacher.
The Clark Canyon Reservoir supplies large browns and rainbows for the Beaverhead. Photo by Brian Grossenbacher.
Big Hole River
Lewis and Clark referred to it as the “Wisdom,” but the name “Big Hole,” coined by early trappers and settlers in reference to the high elevation valley through which the river flows, stuck, and that is how we have come to know one of the most beautiful trout streams in the state of Montana. The Big Hole flows freely without dams for 115 miles to its confluence with the Beaverhead, and eventually the Ruby, to form the Jefferson around mile 153. The Big Hole begins its serpentine course across western Montana high in the Beaverhead Mountains at Skinner Lake. The upper section of the Big Hole is easily wadeable with several access points at county road crossings and federal and state maintained fishing access sites. From Jackson to the town of Wisdom, the river braids and turns through rich pasture land, and thick willow banks. Downstream from Wisdom, the river opens generously, inviting both the wading angler as well as float fisherman. The upper section of the Big Hole hosts cutthroat, rainbow, brook trout and most notably, is home to the last remaining native population of fluvial (river dwelling) Arctic grayling in the lower 48.
Throughout its course, the Big Hole is steadily enhanced from feeder streams and at the junction of Wise River matures into a large trout river. Drift boat fishing is possible through early summer, though rafts are suggested by mid to late summer. Arguably, the best fishing on the Big Hole is found from Wise River to Glen. However, no one will dispute that this section also receives the most attention from anglers. Downstream from Wise River the Big Hole bounds over boulders and thunders through tight canyon walls from Dewey to Maiden Rock and it gradually opens again into broad pasture land around Melrose. This middle section is primarily a brown trout fishery with smaller numbers of rainbows. Access is plentiful via Highway 43 to Divide, and from the frontage road off I-15 between Divide and Glen. Below Divide the river is best fished from a drift boat or raft due to its difficult wading, shallow boulders, and isolated corridor through private land.
The final section of the Big Hole, from Glen to the confluence of the Beaverhead, parts ways with Interstate 15 and journeys off the beaten path. The river opens and slows as it makes its final northeast turn. This section is also best fished from a boat or raft as access is limited to Glen, Notch Bottom, Pennington Bridge, and High Road, all along Burma Road on the route to Twin Bridges. Although the fish count drops, the float down to Pennington Bridge is another guide favorite due to the trophy browns awaiting the patient angler, especially those fishing large nymphs and streamers. While the neighboring Beaverhead River is famous for its trophy trout, local guides often claim that year after year they take their largest fish of the summer out of the Big Hole.
Even though the Big Hole flows through sparsely-populated ranch land, it is one of the heavier fished rivers in the state, and has recently received experimental regulations governing outfitters and out-of-state anglers. The regulations are at best controversial and have many an outfitter up in arms. The regulations restrict non-resident and commercial use float fishing to six days a week, with one stretch of river out of seven closed each day. Wade fishing is still allowed on these days. To ensure you follow the rules, contact http://fwp.state.mt.us/fishing/regulations or call (406) 994-4042.
The upper Big Hole is home to the last remaining native population of fluvial Arctic grayling in the lower 48. Photo by Brian Grossenbacher.
Types of Fish:
Rainbow, Brown, Brook and Cutthroat Trout, Arctic Grayling, Whitefish.
Known Hatches:
Late March-Mid April: Skwala Stones.
Late April-Early May: Caddis.
Mid May-July: Golden Stones.
Mid June-Mid July: Salmonflies.
June-July: Green & Brown Drakes.
July: Yellow Sallies.
July-Early August: Pale Morning Duns (PMDs).
August-September: Tricos, Spruce Moths.
Equipment to Use:
Rods: 5-6 weight, 9 feet in length.
Lines: Floating line, sink tip for streamer fishing deep.
Leaders: 7½' 2-3x for nymphing, 9'