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

Always check with MT FWP for current waterbody restrictions. Fishing Restrictions

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: Dickie Bridge to the mouth at Twin Bridges closed until April 1, 2027. Open upstream of Dickie Bridge.

GET DIRECTIONS
View Big Hole Stream Flows

Dry Flies

  • #8 October Caddis
  • #8-#14 Chubby
  • #14-#18 Purple Haze
  • #14-#16 Missing Link Caddis
  • #16-#18BWO's

Nymphs

  • #14-#16 Spanish Bullet
  • #10-#12 Pat's Rubberlegs
  • #12 San Juan Worms (hot pink & red)
  • #16 Jig Frenchie Original
  • #16-#18 Jig Pheasant Tail Purple
  • #14-#16 Tungsten Jig Prince

STREAMERS

  • Sparkle Minnow
  • Skiddish Smolt
  • Yellow Yummy
  • Bee Bugger
  • Big Hole Bugger
  • Sculpzilla
  • Mini Dali Lama
  • Small Scuplins
  • 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: Seasonal closure in effect. Beware of low flows in open sections.

Get directions
View Beaverhead Stream Flows

Dry Flies

  • #12 Hoppers
  • #12-14 Chubbies
  • #14-#18 Purple Haze

Nymphs

  • #8-12 Pat's Rubber Legs
  • #12 San Juan Worms
  • #12-#18 Frenchies
  • #14-16 Spanish Bullet

STREAMERS

  • Sparkle Minnow
  • Sex Dungeon
  • Thin Mint
  • Daddy's Money
  • Black and Olive Buggers

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:  Streamers, Chubbies, caddis, and Purple Haze.

Get directions
View Jefferson Stream Flows

Dry Flies

  • #8 October Caddis
  • #8-12 Chubby
  • #14-#18 Purple Haze
  • #12 Barrett's Hopper
  • #14-#16 Two-tone ant

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: Terrestrials and streamers.

Get directions
View Upper Clark Fork Stream Flows

Dry Flies

  • #12 Hoppers
  • #14-#16 Purple Haze
  • #8-12 Chubby

Nymphs

  • #8-12 Pat's Rubberlegs
  • #12 San Juan Worm
  • #14-#18 Frenchie
  • #14-#16 Firestarter
  • #16 Barr's Emerger
  • #16 Ray Charles
  • #16 Eddie Vedder
  • #16-#18 Zebra Midge
  • #16 Splitback BWO

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: Dry dropper, October caddis, and streamers, and full nymph rigs.

Get directions
View Rock Creek Form Stream Flows

Dry Flies

  • #10-#16 Chubby
  • #14-#18 Purple Haze
  • #12 Micro Chubbies
  • #14 Hippie Stomper
  • #8 October Caddis
  • #16-18 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: Fishing remains excellent. Grab a handful of damsel patterns for the daytime and some big foam flies for the evening.

Get directions
View Georgetown Lake Elevation

Dry Flies

  • #6-12 Chubbies
  • #12 Callebaetis

Nymphs

  • Damsel Nymphs
  • Chironomids
  • Jighead Hare's Ears
  • Jighead Pheasant Tails

STREAMERS

  • Balanced Leeches
  • Skiddish Smolt
  • 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: It's time for balanced leeches and chironomid patterns.

Get directions

Dry Flies

  • Lots of luck
  • #14 Callebaetis

Nymphs

  • Rickard's Stillwater Nymphs
  • Damsel Nymphs
  • #12 Hare's Ears
  • #12-#14 Callebaetis

STREAMERS

  • Balanced Leeches
  • Jighead Leeches

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: Caddis, Purple Haze, and chubbies. Dry dropper season.

Get directions
View Boulder RIver Flows

Dry Flies

  • #14-#18 Rocky Mountain Mint
  • #14-#18 Purple Haze
  • #10-#14 Chubbies
  • #12 Micro Chubbies
  • #14 Elk Hair Caddis

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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