If
it has bunny fur or rubber legs, you can swing
it, strip it, jig it, dead drift it and twitch
it - and probably draw strikes
Without a doubt one of SW Montana's most under fished
rivers. It seems like the Ruby River is always good
for a few fish when times are tough elsewhere. Very
accommodating to the wading angler, there is more public
access water than you can fish.
A smaller version of the Beaverhead, this tailwater supports dense
insect life, and a denser population of Browns and Rainbows. From
the spring hatches of Baetis and Bluewings, to the May and June
caddis swarms, the Ruby has plenty to offer in the dry fly arena.
The mid summer to fall terrestrial fishing is also something everyone
should have on their list. Worthy of mention as well is the streamer
fishing; the Ruby River is a great place to introduce someone to
the art of moving the fly. I will take a cloudy, rainy day in
August any time on the Ruby.
If it has bunny fur or rubber legs, you can swing it, strip it,
jig it, dead drift it and twitch it - and probably draw strikes. The
smaller water of the Ruby seems to lend itself to many techniques,
offering the beginner a variety of approaches, without getting
too wrapped up in the line management required on some of our larger
rivers.
On the other side of the coin - these trout are no slouches. Smaller
water, difficult lies, demanding casting and somewhat selective
trout can test the skills of any angler.
From the dam at Ruby reservoir downstream to the town of Sheridan,
the upper 7 miles of river has ample public access, brought to
you compliments of Trout Unlimited with the cooperation of some
local ranchers.
A fairly self explanatory river, many of our guests start or finish
their vacation with a day walk wading on the Ruby River.