Beaverhead River Fishing Report

Beaverhead River August Fishing Report

by sunriseflyshop

The Beaverhead River has continued to fish well for us lately. The Flows out of Clark Canyon Reservoir have been dropping recently, which is great news. Outflows this morning were 557 cfs and dropping. Clark Canyon Reservoir has turned over and clarity on the upper Beaverhead has diminished. The upper sections of the Beaverhead has been nymphing well with Tungsten Sunkist’s, Hunchback’s, and split back’s. The hopper fishing has picked up lately on the lower sections of the Beaverhead River. We have brought up some massive fish lately on Chernobyl ant’s and hoppers.

Currently we have no fishing restrictions on the Beaverhead River. All sections are open to fishing.

Recommended Flies:

  • #16 Hunchback PMD
  • #18 Tungsten Sunkist
  • #16 Split Back Olive
  • #8 Chernobyl Ant Tan
  • #8 Black Magic
  • #8 Morrish Hopper
Beaverhead River Fishing Report

Beaverhead River Fishing

by sunriseflyshop

The Beaverhead River is fishing well for us lately. The flows out of Clark Canyon Reservoir are 886cfs. The Beaverhead is flowing bank full and fast at these flows. Wade fishing is not an option for most anglers but the boat fishing has been good. We are seeing hatches of PMD’s, Caddis and yellow sallies. Dry fly fishing has been tougher at these high flows for most anglers. The best tactic lately has been nymph fishing with PMD’s and yellow sallies. Fish are holding on the edges and in the shallow zones where you find gravel bottom. If you are looking to get out on a guide trip this up coming week give us a call. We currently have a few guides available.

The Beaverhead River is on Hoot Owl restrictions (2:00 PM to midnight) from the confluence of the Big Hole River to Anderson Lane on the Beaverhead beginning 2 PM on July 19.  This section is on the far lower reach of the River. From Barretts State Park to the Dam is “not” under Hoot Owl restriction, you can fish this section all day. Please call us if you have any questions 406-835-3474.

Recommended Flies:

  • Split Case PMD #18
  • Trigger Nymph PMD #18
  • Hunchback PMD #18
  • Psycho Prince #12
  • Comparadun PMD #18
  • Tilt Wing PMD #16

Beaverhead River Fishing Report

by sunriseflyshop

The Beaverhead River continues to fish very well this month. The outflow from Clark Canyon Reservoir is 580 cfs as of this morning. The flows have been bumping daily in the afternoon for irrigation demands. We have had excellent dry fly fishing lately on the Beaverhead River. Hatches of PMD’s, yellow sallies and caddis are getting the fish active. The fish have been elevated and chowing. Nymph fisherman have been successful throughout the day on the upper river near the dam. It is time to get down to the Beaverhead and enjoy the splendor of this tailwater. July is our peak season on the Beaverhead River. We have some dates available for guide trips this month. Give us a call to book your trip/lodging (406) 835-3474.

Recommended Flies:

  • #18 Mayhem PMD
  • #16 Split Case PMD
  • #16 Tilt Wing PMD
  • #16 CDC Caddis
  • #18 Comparadun
  • #16 McGrubber
  • #16 Thread Frenchie
Beaverhead River Fishing Report

Beaverhead River Fishing Report

by sunriseflyshop

The Beaverhead River has been fishing very well for us. The hatches on the Beaverhead are starting to heat up! We are seeing pale morning dun’s, yellow sallies and caddis on the river. Dry fly fishing has picked up over the last few days and will continue to be productive this week. Flows out of Clark Canyon Reservoir are around 300 cfs. We are seeing fantastic rainbows and brown trout this year on the Beaverhead River. We hope everyone gets out on the river for the holiday weekend.

Recommended Flies:

  • # 18 Mayhem PMD
  • #16 Barr’s PMD
  • #18 Split Case PMD
  • #16 Jig Frenchie
  • #16 Tilt Wing PMD
  • #18 Comparadun PMD
  • #16 Bubble Back PMD
  • #10 Chubby Chernobyl Gold
  • #8 Plan B

Beaverhead Is Fishing Well

by sunriseflyshop

The Beaverhead River has been fishing well while other freestone rivers are experiencing runoff. We have had our best fishing on the Beaverhead from the Dam down to Henneberry access. The flows out of Clark Canyon Reservoir are 376cfs today. this is a great flow for wading and a decent flow for floating the river. We have had good activity on sow bugs, scuds and PMD nymphs. Hatches are not thick yet but look for that to improve in the next week. On the cloudy days we have had excellent streamer fishing. We have been finding a lot of healthy fish near the dam and they will continue to pack on the pounds as the hatches thicken.

Recommended Flies:

  • #16 Pandemic Mayfly
  • #16 Split Back olive
  • #16 Soft Hackle Sow Bug
  • #18 Ray Charles
  • #18 Thread Frenchie
  • #16 Sow Bug Grey
  • #6 Mini Dungeon
  • #6 Jig Sparkle Minnow
  • #6 Little Kim Olive
Beaverhead River Fishing Report

Beaverhead River Season Opener

by sunriseflyshop

Saturday, May 20th is the upper Beaverhead River season opener. Flows out of Clark Canyon Reservoir are currently 211cfs. The River is low and wade fishing will be able to be done on the entire upper stretch. This is always a crowded weekends to hit the Beaverhead, but it is very productive. Nymphing will be the name of the game. You will find fish eating sow bugs, scuds and midges. Since the river is low please be considerate to other anglers on the water. The river is running clear all the way down to Grasshopper Creek. The Beaverhead below Grasshopper Creek will be off color due to runoff.

Recommended Flies:

  • #16 Soft Hackle Sow Bug
  • #16 Ray Charles Pink
  • #16 Poxy Back Sow Bug Grey
  • #16 Soft Hackle Scud Orange
  • #6 Sparkle Minnow
  • #6 Tractor Trailer

Beaverhead River Fall Fishing Update

by sunriseflyshop

The Beaverhead has been fishing pretty tough lately. Clark Canyon outflows are set to winter flows already due to the reservoir being only 26% full. The Winter Clark Canyon Reservoir outflows are down to 25 cfs. In response to these low flows Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks has closed the Beaverhead from the Dam down to Pipe Organ Bridge. This closure will remain into affect all fall.

The Beaverhead River is open to fishing from Pipe Organ Bridge down to the Mouth (Confluence to Big Hole). Flows are low in these sections and are better for the wade angler. Floating any of the stretches below Pipe Organ is not recommended due to low flows. You will find Blue Winged Olives hatching and a few hopper opportunities in the afternoons.

Recommended Flies:

  • Split Back BWO #18
  • Micro Mayfly #16
  • Bubble Back BWO #18
  • Spanish Bullet Olive #16
  • Jig Frenchie Blue #18
  • Green machine #18
  • J.J. Special #6
  • Sparkle Minnow J.J. #6
  • Lil Kim’ #6

Clark Canyon Reservoir Update

by sunriseflyshop

The Beaverhead River has been fishing very tough lately. Outflows from Clark Canyon Reservoir are 450cfs and dropping daily. The difficult fishing is due to how low Clark Canyon Reservoir has been. Currently the reservoir is 29% full. The outflow into the Beaverhead River is dirty and extremely mossy. The outflow from Clark Canyon is also warm water since the reservoir has turned over. Between the extremely poor clarity and the moss mats on the surface, fishing has been very difficult. Hopefully conditions improve soon and we have a better report next week.

Fly Recommendations:

  • Hunchback Infrequence PMD #18
  • Split Back PMD #18
  • Barr’s Emerger #18
  • Tungsten Sunkist #18
  • Bubble Back PMD #18
  • Micro Mayfly #16
  • Comparadun PMD #18
  • Split Wing PMD #18

Beaverhead Fishing Heat Wave

by sunriseflyshop

The upper Beaverhead is is still holding strong with good fishing. We have been doing the best from the dam down to Pipe Organ Bridge. Flows out of Clark Canyon Reservoir are currently up to 804 cfs. Wade fishing spots are tough right now but drift boat fishing is ideal at these flows. The river clarity is a bit off right now but that can be a day to day affair from outflows out of Clark Canyon Reservoir. We have had some PMD dry fly fishing the morning in the slick. Nymphing has been consistent in the upper Beaverhead. We have done well with various PMD Nymphs.

Fly Recommendations:

  • Hunchback Infrequence PMD #18
  • Split Back PMD #18
  • Barr’s Emerger #18
  • Tungsten Sunkist #18
  • Bubble Back PMD #18
  • Micro Mayfly #16
  • Comparadun PMD #18
  • Split Wing PMD #18

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from the mouth of the river (Near twin Bridges to Selway Park in Dillon

From the mouth to Selway Park FAS at Dillon

The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, will go into effect at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 29 for the Beaverhead River from the mouth to Selway Park FAS at Dillon. Maximum daily water temperatures on the Beaverhead River at USGS gauge 06023100 Beaverhead River near Twin Bridges exceeded 73 degrees for three consecutive days, satisfying angling restriction and fishing closure criteria. This restriction will remain in effect until lifted by FWP administrative action in consultation with the Big Hole Watershed Committee, or until September 15.