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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:

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.