The Beaverhead is a nearly 70 mile long tributary of the Jefferson River. Its original course has changed due to the construction of the Clark Canyon Dam, as have its headwaters, once formed by the confluence of the Red Rock River and Horse Prairie Creek. These rivers, along with the first 6 miles of the Beaverhead, are now flooded as a result of the reservoir project. Today, the Beaverhead flows through a wide valley where it meets the Big Hole River and forms the Jefferson River. The river is well known for its clear, blue-green color, narrow, winding turns, willow-lined, undercut banks and thriving insect life that attracts fish.
 The origin of its colorful name can be traced back to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, when their indigenous guide, Sacajawea, recognized a large rock formation in the middle of the river known to her as the Beaver’s Head. According to Lewis, this indicated to her that they were close to the summer retreat of her Indian nation. On August 15, 1805 the party reached her tribe, where one of her remaining brothers, Cameahwait, Chief of the Shoshone, provided crude maps, food and horses, making it possible to continue the Expedition through the mountains. On their return trip Lewis gave the river, once full of beavers, the name it now holds.
Fortunately, floating the Beaverhead in today’s world is much easier, more fun and amply rewarding. It is widely considered one of Montana's premier Brown trout fishing rivers, producing more large trout, particularly Brown trout, than any other river in the state. Due to its abundance of large trout, fly fishing the stretch near Dillon, from Clark Canyon Dam to Barrett’s Dam and through to Twin Bridges, tends to be very popular and get can crowded, even although the fish can also be hard to catch. While large fish can be caught with dry flies, it is primarily a nymph fishing river along with a swiftly moving current, so expect to be constantly mending your line.
Guided Fishing Trips
If you’re new to the area, the Beaverhead is one of the only rivers where a guide is truly required to have a successful day of fishing. They are there, over 3800 wild rainbows and ... morebrowns per square miles, but the river doesn’t yield them up unless you know her secrets. The experience guides at Fishtales Outfitting understand the local nuances of fishing in southwest Montana, and we can help you master one of the most prolific trout fisheries in the area. Book your adventure today. Gourmet lunch is provided with full day trips.
One of the three great tailwaters in Big Sky Country. stable water flows, dense populations of trout and great insect life make this river a great option almost any time of year. Multiple ... morespring creek influxes below Dillon, Montana create some great clear water, dry fly opportunities during the heat of the summer. Big Browns on hoppers. A great river to fly fish.
What the Beaverhead offers:
Over 80 miles of fishable water.
Tailwater reliability - very little runoff effect
Nymphing for larger than average trout.
PMD hatches in June and July that will cause you to make bad casts.
Rainbow trout that will straighten out hooks and break 3x tippet.
Brown trout that will chase size 4 streamers and inhale them.
Sight fishing... need I say more?
Tributaries:
Tributary of the Jefferson River in southwest Montana
Source:
Clark Canyon Reservoir at the confluence of the Red Rock River and Horse Prairie Creek
Mouth:
Jefferson River near Twin Bridges, Montana
Seasonal Conditions
| Spring | 36 - 65 F | prolific hatches if blue wing olives and midges; dry fly fishing | | Summer | 44 - 79 F | Pale Morning Duns, Yellow Sallyys, and caddis and Big “riffle” Craneflies | | Fall | 22 - 45 F | Tricos and Big “riffle” Craneflies | | Winter | 18 - 41 F | Excellent dry fly fishing until temperatures drop towards the end of November |
Latest Guide Fishing Reports
Guide Reports
The Beaverhead River is fishing well. It is a good winter choice. We are seeing a good snowpack this winter which means the Clark Canyon Reservoir will probably be full during the ... morespring/summer time. The river is open from Pipe Organ Bridge to the Jefferson River. Found some good fishing near Corrals Fishing Access.
Beaverhead River Fly Fishing - A storm has hit pretty hard over here on the Beaverhead with temperatures dropping into the 20’s. Be careful of the ice along the shore. Fishing ... morewas pretty good over the weekend by High Bridge Fishing Access. Use midge and streamer patterns.
Date: Tuesday, 15 Dec, 2015
Beaverhead River Fly Fishing - It’s that time of year where you want to be using midges and streamer patterns. Poindexter Slough was okay fishing the deep pools with a Sparkle ... moreMinnow and swinging them slowly.
Date: Tuesday, 1 Dec, 2015
Beaverhead River Fly Fishing - The Beaverhead River has been fishing tough lately. If you are determined to fish the Beaverhead River, work over the runs thoroughly. This weather is ... moremaking things much more difficult.
Date: Sunday, 15 Nov, 2015
Our most popular guided fishing trip really lets you experience the best Montana fishing has to offer. Enjoy a full day guided fishing trip on each of four rivers: the Ruby River, ... moreMadison River, Beaverhead River, and Big Hole Rivers.
This all inclusive package includes all meals and comfortable accomodations at our Alder, Montana fishing lodge. Check availability to schedule your dream fly fishing getaway in Montana!
Notes:
Montana accomodation tax is not included
Fishing licenses are not included
Children are welcome
(1)
- 4 nights lodging
- Guided fly fishing day on the Ruby River
- Guided fly fishing on the Madison River.
- Guided fly fishing on the Beaverhead River.
- Three home cooked meals per day
Our 3 day and 4 night fly fishing packages include comfortable accommodations at our Alder, Montana fishing lodge, three home-cooked meals each day, and all ranch activities. They ... morealso include private access to the Ruby River on day 1, the Madison river on day 2, and the Beaverhead river on day 3, all with an experienced guide. Lunch and refreshments are provided during the day.
On occasion, water levels may require that we alter the rivers fished. To maintain a high level of personal service, we limit our guests to 10 per week. Please contact our Montana fly fishing guides if you need a custom package or wish to arrange special rates for your fly shop or club.
Notes
Montana accommodation tax is not included.
Fishing licenses are not included.
Children are welcome.
- 3 nights lodging
- Guided fly fishing day on the Ruby River
- Guided fly fishing day on your choice of the Madison River or Beaverhead River.
- Three home cooked meals per day
Our 2 day and 3 night fly fishing packages include comfortable accommodations at our Alder, Montana fishing lodge, three home-cooked meals each day, and all ranch activities. They ... morealso include private access to the Ruby River with a guide and your choice of a day on the Madison River or the Beaverhead river. Guided day fishing trips include a Montana fly fishing guide, lunch, and refreshments.
On occasion, water levels may require that we alter the rivers fished. To maintain a high level of personal service, we limit our guests to 10 per week. Please contact our Montana fly fishing guides if you need a custom package or wish to arrange special rates for your fly shop or club.
Notes
Montana accommodation tax is not included.
Fishing licenses are not included.
Children are welcome.
- Montana Fly Fishing Guide
- Lodging (arrive the night prior to your first day on the water)
- Nightly 5 star dinnners, prepared by our Chef
- Daily Montana style fishermans breakfast
- Any needed gear and all of your flies
Montana’s Last Best Fly Fishing Lodge The Stonefly Inn and Outfitters is a privately owned Fly Fishing Lodge in rural Montana. No stop lights or tourist traps here – just countless ... moremiles of Blue Ribbon Trout Water, an overwhelming number of Trout and the occasional cattle drive. Because of our location, we often do not see the fishing pressure some of the other areas of the state have to deal with. In Twin Bridges, you can truly unwind and enjoy your Montana Fly Fishing Vacation along with the solitude and vastness of Southwest Montana. The days are longer, the fish are bigger and the beer is colder.
Here at The Stonefly, Dan “Rooster” Leavens and his entire staff of Montana Fly Fishing Guides are dedicated to providing you a Montana Fly Fishing Vacation that will leave you wanting to return year after year. Our average return ratio hovers around 95% season after season and Rooster goes out of his way to keep it that way.
A typical day at The Stonefly will start with breakfast with your Montana Fly fishing Guide before you head to one of our local rivers to fish. During the day, you can expect professional instruction while you employ seemingly endless techniques to catch fish. With so many rivers to pick from, each day is certain to be different. Returning to the lodge, you’ll find fresh appetizers in the Roost Lounge and take a little time to unwind and tell a fish story or two over a cocktail. Dinners are prepared by our in house chef, Glen Hornsby – a veteran chef of over 20 years in the fly fishing industry. Following dinner, nightly campfires are the norm complete with after dinner cocktails, joke telling, guitar picking and plenty of storytelling.
During your Montana Fly Fishing Vacation, you will always feel welcome at The Stonefly. You can count on professional instruction from your Montana Fly Fishing Guides, top shelf “Farm to Table” meals and courteous service from our staff. You have our word on it. Odds are, you’ll catch a few great fish while you are here as well!
Pricing based on double occupancy
We specialize in guiding on the Beaverhead river. We cater to anglers of all skill levels, from beginner fly fishermen looking to catch that first trout on a fly, to the seasoned angler ... moreseeking a veteran Montana fishing guide who knows these waters like the back of their hand. Our experienced guides will work hard to help you have a first-rate Montana fly fishing experience.
- experienced guide
- lunches and drinks
- flies, leaders and tippet
If you’re new to the area, the Beaverhead is one of the only rivers where a guide is truly required to have a successful day of fishing. They are there, over 3800 wild rainbows and ... morebrowns per square miles, but the river doesn’t yield them up unless you know her secrets. The experience guides at Fishtales Outfitting understand the local nuances of fishing in southwest Montana, and we can help you master one of the most prolific trout fisheries in the area. Book your adventure today. Gourmet lunch is provided with full day trips.
One of the three great tailwaters in Big Sky Country. stable water flows, dense populations of trout and great insect life make this river a great option almost any time of year. Multiple ... morespring creek influxes below Dillon, Montana create some great clear water, dry fly opportunities during the heat of the summer. Big Browns on hoppers. A great river to fly fish.
What the Beaverhead offers:
Over 80 miles of fishable water.
Tailwater reliability - very little runoff effect
Nymphing for larger than average trout.
PMD hatches in June and July that will cause you to make bad casts.
Rainbow trout that will straighten out hooks and break 3x tippet.
Brown trout that will chase size 4 streamers and inhale them.
Sight fishing... need I say more?
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Beaverhead River Fishing Report
Activities: Fishing, Wildlife Viewing, Photography
Sanitation & Water: Pack in/Pack out
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Beaverhead River Fishing Report
Activities: Fishing, Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Photography
Sanitation & Water: Toilet, Pack in/Pack out
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Beaverhead River Fishing Report
Activities: Boating, Fishing, Hunting
Sanitation & Water: Toilet
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Beaverhead River Fishing Report
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Beaverhead River Fishing Report
Activities: Boating, Fishing
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Beaverhead River Fishing Report
Activities: Boating, Fishing
Sanitation & Water: Toilet
Day use only on east side of river; camping allowed on west side of river; additional walk-in parking approximately 1 mile upstream.
... more
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Beaverhead River Fishing Report
Activities: Boating, Fishing
Sanitation & Water: Toilet
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Beaverhead River Fishing Report
Activities: Boating, Fishing
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