SW Montana Local Fly Fishing River Reports

Violent brown trout attacking during a caddis hatch on the Big Hole River

We all know chasing "yesterday's fish" can be a bit on the frustrating side. So when we say "fishing report", what we really mean is "this is what has been going on, and this is what will probably be happening in the near future." We've included a quick capsule below of what is going on with each river. Our running reports pages for each river are amended when new report information is published.

Montana Fly Fishing River Reports

• Big Hole River as of3/20/2008 –Is completely open from Divide down for floating and wade fishing.  Some of the shelf ice still remains through some of the still water sections and there is only a narrow channel to get your boat through.  The fishing has been good to excellent working over the riffles with nymphs.  The water remains cold so getting out of the boat or wade fishing will still be your best option.  No sign of any dry fly activities but will let you know the second we do. USGS CFS Streamflow data
• Beaverhead River as of3/20/2008 –The upper piece of water from the dam to Pipe Organ Bridge will remain closed until the start of the general fishing season, the 3rd Saturday in May.  Below Pipe Organ down to Barretts the fishing remains steady on small nymph patterns.  Below where the Blacktail comes into the Beaverhead it is carrying a lot of silt and is unfishable from there to Twin Bridges.  As we start of the irrigation season we can expect the lower Beaverhead to clear and some good fishing should come about. USGS CFS Streamflow data
• Jefferson River as of3/20/2008 – With the majority of the water right now coming off of the Beaverhead side you can expect the Jefferson is running off color.  The river remains unfishable the entire length from Twin bridges to Headwater State Park. USGS CFS Streamflow data
• Madison River as of3/20/2008 –No real reports off of the Madison this spring but the river is flowing and if the water is clear the fishing should be good nymphing the deeper slots of the back of the gravel.  Be sure to check the regulations for closures before heading out to the river.USGS CFS Streamflow data
• Ruby River as of3/20/2008 – Still closed to all fishing throughout its length. We are hoping the Jefferson opens very soon, call for details in the next few days – we should know more each day! The fishing will be incredible when this river finally re-opens.  USGS CFS Streamflow data

For updates on other river closures, click on http://fwp.mt.gov/fishing/guide/waterclosure.aspx