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
River restrictions now in effect. For the most current info, check here: Fishing Restrictions
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: Closed October 1 through March 30.
Dry Flies
- NA
Nymphs
- NA
STREAMERS
- NA
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: Midges, Scuds, and small Streamers.
Dry Flies
- #18-#20 Hanging Midge
- #16-#18 Midge Cluster
- #18 Rocky Mountain Mint
Nymphs
- #14-#16 Jighead Scuds
- #16 Ray Charles
- #16 Eddie Vedder
- #16-#18 Zebra Midge
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: Search for a few deep buckets with open water.
Dry Flies
- #18-#20 Hanging Midge
- #16-#18 Midge Cluster
- #18 Rocky Mountain Mint
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: Nymphing through the deep corners will prove most successful! Don't forget some little sculpin patterns!!!
Dry Flies
- #18-#20 Hanging Midge
- #16-#18 Midge Cluster
- #18 Rocky Mountain Mint
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: Winter nymphing season has arrived.
Dry Flies
- #18-#20 Hanging Midge
- #16-#18 Midge Cluster
- #18 Rocky Mountain Mint
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: Grab the ice auger!
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.
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: Caddis and terrestrials are working great!
Dry Flies
- #14-#16 Caddis
- #14-#16 Purple Haze
- #12-#16 Chubby Chernobyls
- #16 Micro Chubbies
- #14-#16 Ants
- #14 Foam Beetles
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
