SOUTHWEST MONTANA

Fly Fishing spot guide

Whether you are headed out for the weekend or just a quick evening run, we have the information you need to catch fish. Our home waters include the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Clark Fork, Jefferson, Madison, Rock Creek, and Georgetown Lake. We also spend time on a lot of the smaller waters as well. Be sure to call if you don’t see it here. 406-494-0707

BIG HOLE RIVER
Experience the magic of this 155 mile long freestone.
BEAVERHEAD RIVER
Tailwater fish factory, home to some exceptional fish.
JEFFERSON RIVER
Vast vistas, solitude, and the chance at an amazing trout.
UPPER CLARK FORK RIVER
A wade angler’s paradise.
ROCK CREEK
Perhaps the best dry fly fishery in the state.
GEORGETOWN LAKE
A chance at trophy brook trout make this a must fish spot.
WARM SPRING PONDS
Only a handful of waters on the planet produce trout like you will find here.
BOULDER RIVER
Remember your childhood and cast dries to eager trout.

SOUTHWEST MONTANA

Fishing Reports

Big Hole River

ABOUT THE SPOT: The Big Hole River in Montana is a renowned destination for fly anglers. This iconic river stretches approximately 155 miles, flowing through picturesque valleys, rugged canyons, and open meadows. It is known for its pristine waters, abundant trout populations, and breathtaking scenery.

REPORT: the river is in great shape! It's been primarily a nymph and streamer game, but be on the lookout for more Mother's Day Caddis as the weather warms up again. Rubberlegs and San Juan worms have been the ticket.

GET DIRECTIONS
View Big Hole Stream Flows

Dry Flies

  • #12-#14 Chubbies
  • #12 Water Walker
  • #16-#18 Rocky Mountain Mint
  • #16 Elk Hair Caddis
  • #16 Miracle Caddis
  • #16 Missing Link Caddis

Nymphs

  • #6-#12 Pat's Rubberlegs
  • #12 San Juan Worms
  • #16 Jig Frenchie Blue
  • #16 Jig Frenchie Original
  • #16-#18 Jig Pheasant Tail Purple
  • #14-#16 Tungsten Jig Prince

STREAMERS

  • #4 Bee Buggers
  • Sparkle Minnow
  • Yellow Yummy
  • JJ Special
  • Dali Llama
  • Mini Dungeon

Beaverhead river

ABOUT THE SPOT: Originating from Clark Canyon Reservoir, the Beaverhead River is renowned for its exceptional trout populations. Anglers can expect to encounter trophy-sized trout, making it a dream destination for those seeking a challenging and rewarding fishing experience.

REPORT: The Beaverhead is fishing well! Caddis, Scuds, Zebra Midges, Worms, and Streamers have all been picking up fish.

Get directions
View Beaverhead Stream Flows

Dry Flies

  • #16 Elk Hair Caddis
  • #16 Miracle Caddis
  • #16-#18 Black Elk Hair Caddis
  • #18 Rocky Mountain Mint
  • #16-#20 Purple Haze

Nymphs

  • #14-#16 Jighead Scuds
  • #16 Ray Charles
  • #16 Eddie Vedder
  • #16-#18 Zebra Midge
  • #16-#18 Panty Dropper
  • #16-#18 Splitbacks
  • #16 Hot head scuds

STREAMERS

  • Sparkle Minnow
  • Sex Dungeon
  • Thin Mint
  • Daddy's Money
  • Montana Humdinger

Jefferson river

ABOUT THE SPOT: The Jefferson features a mix of riffles, runs, and deep pools, providing a variety of fishing conditions and techniques. Anglers can enjoy the serenity of the river and its surrounding landscapes, without the hustle and bustle often found on more heavily trafficked waters.

REPORT: Still a bit dirty, but streamer fishing has been bringing some nice ones to the net. Nymphing with stones and San Juans has been good as well.

Get directions
View Jefferson Stream Flows

Dry Flies

  • #12-#14 Chubbies
  • #12 Water Walker
  • #16-#18 Rocky Mountain Mint
  • #16 Elk Hair Caddis
  • #16 Miracle Caddis
  • #16 Missing Link Caddis

Nymphs

  • #8-#14 Rubberlegs
  • #14-16 Spanish Bullets/Perdigons
  • #12 San Juan Worms Pink or Red
  • #8-#16 Prince Nymphs
  • #12-#16 Hare's Ear

STREAMERS

  • Montana Humdinger
  • Daddy's Money
  • Sluggos
  • Dungeons
  • Sparkle Minnow
  • Peanut Envy

Upper Clark Fork River

ABOUT THE SPOT: A product of years of mining activities and the subsequent cleanup, the Upper Clark Fork provides anglers with great wade fishing opportunities and a chance at some truly exceptional fish.

REPORT: This stretch of river has been picking up lately. You st8ill need to move around to find them some days, but things seem to be on the upswing, despite posted data. Nymphing through the deep corners will prove most successful! Don't forget some little sculpin patterns!!!

Get directions
View Upper Clark Fork Stream Flows

Dry Flies

  • #16-#18 Rocky Mountain Mint
  • #14-#16 Elk Hair Caddis
  • #14-#16 Purple Haze

Nymphs

  • #14-#18 Frenchie
  • #14-#16 Firestarter
  • #16 Barr's Emerger
  • #16 Ray Charles
  • #16 Eddie Vedder
  • #16-#18 Zebra Midge
  • #16 Splitback PMD

STREAMERS

  • #4-#8 Sculpzilla
  • Wooly Bugger
  • Lil Kim
  • Montana Humdinger
  • Daddy's Money
  • Pocket Dweller

Rock Creek

ABOUT THE SPOT: Rock Creek is renowned for its dry fly fishing, with numerous hatches throughout the season. From the famous salmonfly hatch in early summer to the prolific caddis and mayfly hatches, anglers can experience thrilling moments as trout rise to the surface to feed on these insects.

REPORT: Water is up a bit, so bigger nymphs and streamers have been best. Rubberlegs, San Juan Worms and Sparkle Minnows for the win. A small chubby with a jighead dropper can prove effective in the right water.

Get directions
View Rock Creek Form Stream Flows

Dry Flies

  • #10-#12 Chubby
  • #16-#18 Rocky Mountain Mint
  • #14-#16 Miracle Caddis
  • #14-#16 Missing Link Caddis
  • #18 Guide Winna Spinna BWO
  • #18 Hi Vis Spinner BWO

Nymphs

  • #10-#12 San Juan Worms
  • #12 Gummy Worms
  • #8-#14 Rubberlegs
  • #14-#16 Lightning Bugs
  • #14-#16 Frenchies
  • #14-#16 Spanish Bullet/Perdigones

STREAMERS

  • Lil Kim, Bee Bugger
  • Sparkle Minnow
  • Daddy's Money
  • Sex Dungeons
  • Pocket Dweller
  • Mini Dungeons
  • Sculpzilla

Georgetown Lake:

ABOUT THE SPOT: Located in the beautiful Flint Creek Valley, this lake offers a serene and picturesque setting for anglers. Home to trophy class rainbow and brook trout, the clear waters of Georgetown Lake provide excellent visibility, allowing anglers to spot and target their desired fish.

REPORT: Ice off fishing until the end of April! grab a balanced leech and get out there!

Get directions
View Georgetown Lake Elevation

Dry Flies

  • N/A

Nymphs

  • #12 Chronomid
  • #14-#16 Spanish Bullet
  • #14-#16 Perdigons
  • #12-#16 Tungsten Scuds

STREAMERS

  • Balanced Leeches
  • Jighead Leeches

Warm springs ponds:

ABOUT THE SPOT: The Warm Springs Ponds in Montana offer anglers an exceptional chance to catch trophy-sized trout. With their diverse aquatic life and challenging yet rewarding conditions, the Warm Springs Ponds present an exciting opportunity for dedicated anglers looking to test their skills in search of a true trophy trout.

REPORT: Closed until May 25th.

Get directions

Dry Flies

  • N/A

Nymphs

  • N/A

STREAMERS

  • N/A

Boulder River:

ABOUT THE SPOT: Fly fishing the Boulder River near Boulder, Montana, offers an incredible experience amidst picturesque scenery. The river flows through canyons and valleys, providing opportunities to catch wild trout like cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout.

Its clear waters, diverse aquatic life, and peaceful surroundings make it a favorite spot for fly fishing enthusiasts seeking both challenge and tranquility.

REPORT: Early season nymphing and streamers. Watch for small dries.

Get directions
View Boulder RIver Flows

Dry Flies

  • #18-#20 Hanging Midge
  • #16-#18 Midge Cluster
  • #18 Rocky Mountain Mint
  • #16-#20 Purple Haze
  • #18 Guide Winna Spinna BWO

Nymphs

  • #12 SJ Worms
  • #14-#18 Spanish Bullets
  • #10-#12 Stonefly Nymphs
  • #8-#18 Prince Nymphs
  • #14-#16 Hare's Ears
  • #16 Caddis Pupae

STREAMERS

  • #4-#8 Sculpzilla
  • #4-#12 Sparkle Minnow
  • #6 The Grinch
  • #4 Bee Bugger
  • #8 Thin Mint

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