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: No April Fool's joke here! The Big Hole River has reopened to fishing! Early reports have been good, with fish looking very healthy. Great to have our favorite local river back as an option!
Dry Flies
- #10-#12 Fool's Gold Skwala
- #10-#12 Bullethead Skwala
- #16-#20 Purple Haze
- #16-#18 Olive Rocky Mountain Mint
- #18-#20 Midge
Nymphs
- #8-#12 Pat's Rubberlegs
- #10-#12 Olive Double Bead Stone
- #10-#12 Pink or Red San Juan Worms
- #14-#16 Pill Popper
- #14-#16 Cotton Candy PLT Jig
- #14-#18 Chartreuse Copper John
- #14-#18 Jig Frenchie
STREAMERS
- #4 Bee Buggers
- #4-#12 Coffey Sparkle Minnow
- #6 Montana Humdinger
- #6 Daddy's Money
- #6 The Grinch
- #2-#8 Sex 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: Open from Pipe Organ downstream until the 3rd Saturday in May. Nymphing and streamers rule the day!
Dry Flies
- #20-#22 Midges
- #16-#20 BWO’s
- #16 Olive Rocky Mountain Mint
- #18-#20 Purple Haze
Nymphs
- #14-#18 Pill Popper
- #14-#16 Jighead Scuds
- #16 Barr's Emerger
- #16 Ray Charles
- #16 Eddie Vedder
- #16-#18 Zebra Midge
- #16-#18 Splitback BWO
STREAMERS
- Sparkle Minnow
- Sex Dungeon
- Thin Mint
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: Get the streamer box loaded up. Time to go looking for the big one!
Dry Flies
- #18-#20 Midges
- #16-#20 BWO’s
- #16-#20 Purple Haze
- #16 Buzzball
Nymphs
- #8-#14 Rubberlegs
- #14-16 Spanish Bullets/Perdigones
- #12 San Juan Worms
- #16-#20 BWO Nymphs
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: Nymphing through the deep corners will prove most successful!
Dry Flies
- #14-#20 Purple Haze
- #16-#20 BWO’s
- #16-#18 Rocky Mountain Mint
- #18 Midge Cluster
Nymphs
- #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
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: Spring is here somedays! Be on the watch for Skwalas and March Browns.
Dry Flies
- #10-#12 Fool's Gold
- #12 Olive Chubby Chernobyl
- #16-#20 BWO’s
- #18-#20 Midges
- #18 Midge Cluster
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
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: Balanced Leeches, San Juan Worms, and jighead leeches along the shorelines. Remember south and east shoreline closures in effect until July 1.
Dry Flies
- NA
Nymphs
- #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: Opens May 25th!
Dry Flies
Nymphs
STREAMERS
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: Nymphs and streamers have been the ticket. A few small dries around as well.
Dry Flies
- #16-#20 BWO's
- #18-#20 Midges
Nymphs
- #12 SJ Worms
- #14-#18 Spanish Bullets
- #10-#12 Stonefly Nymphs
- #18-#20 Zebra Midges
STREAMERS
- #4-#8 Sculpzilla
- #4-#12 Sparkle Minnow
- #6 The Grinch
- #4 Bee Bugger
- #8 Thin Mint