Beaverhead River Fly Fishing Report
Latest Beaverhead River Reports
- Beaverhead River Fall Fishing Update
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
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
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.