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
BEAVERHEAD RIVER
JEFFERSON RIVER
UPPER CLARK FORK RIVER
ROCK CREEK
GEORGETOWN LAKE
WARM SPRING PONDS
BOULDER RIVER
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: Hoot Owl restrictions for entire river. Spruce moths and tricos still around! Early morning streamer fishing has been good as well!
Dry Flies
- #14-#16 Elk Hair Caddis
- #14-#16 Spruce Moths
- #6-#14 Chubbies
- #6-#12 Water Walker
- #16-#18 Rocky Mountain Mint
- #16 Missing Link Caddis
- #12-#18 Purple Haze
- #18-#20 Parachute Adams
- #18 Guide Winna Spinna Trico
Nymphs
- #16 Purple Spanish Bullet
- #18 Pandemic May
- #18 Zebra Midge
- #16 Black Spanish Bullet
- #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
- 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: The river is a bit more clear depending on the day. PMD's, Yellow Sallies, Caddis, Scuds, Zebra Midges, Worms, and Streamers have all been picking up fish. Hopper and terrestrial fishing has been picking up as well.
Dry Flies
- #14-#16 Stimulators
- #16 Miracle Caddis
- #14-18 Rocky Mountain Mint
- #12-#20 Purple Haze
- #12-#14 Chubbies
- #12-#14 Water Walkers
- #12 Black Magic
- #16 Guide Winna Spinna PMD
- #10-#14 Barrett's Hopper
- #10-#14 Thunder Thighs Hopper
- #12-#14 Gould's Half Down Ant
Nymphs
- #16 Barr's Emergers
- #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
- 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: Hoot owl restrictions on the entire river. It's getting a bit weedy out there. Dry dropper setups have been best. Nymphing with Perdigons and Spanish Bullets has been good as well.
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: Hoot owl restrictions. Nymphing through the deep corners will prove most successful! Don't forget some little sculpin patterns!!!
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: Dry dropper season. Rock Creek remains great. Nocturnal stones, spruce moths, caddis, and tricos. Dry fly city out there!
Dry Flies
- #6-#12 Chubby Chernobyls
- #14-#18 Rocky Mountain Mint
- #14-#16 Miracle Caddis
- #14-#16 Missing Link Caddis
- #12 Guide Winna Spinna Trico
- #12-#16 Brindlechute
- #14-#20 Purple Haze
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: Travelling sedges are tapering off and damsels are still going. Balanced leeches, chironomids, callebaetis, damsel nymphs.
Dry Flies
- #10-#12 Plan B
- #10-#12 Chubbies
- #6 Goddard Caddis
- #12-#14 Callibaetis
- #12 Damsels
- #12-#14 Elk Hair Caddis
- #12-#14 Black Ant
- #12-#14 Foam Beetle
Nymphs
- #12 Damsel 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: Fishing has been steady. Balanced leeches, chironomids, and patience are key!
Dry Flies
- Good Luck
Nymphs
- Rickard Stillwater Nymphs
- Chironomids
- Callebaetis Nymphs
- Scuds
- Damsel Nymphs
STREAMERS
- Leeches
- Balanced 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: Water is low, keep an eye on water temps. Foam attractors and caddis.
Dry Flies
- #6-#12 Chubby Chernobyls
- #6-#12 Water Walker
- #14-#18 Rocky Mountain Mint
- #14-#16 Miracle Caddis
- #14-#16 Missing Link 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