Ruby Dam Fishing Access Site

Open
1 January - 31 December
Size
2 acres
Elevation
5,318 ft
Description
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Ruby River Fishing Report

 
Nearest Town:
Sheridan
Features
Activities:
Fishing
Sanitation & Water:
Toilet
Restrictions & Closures
Fire Restriction:
Stage I Fire Restrictions
Weapons Discharge Prohibited:
Discharge of weapons prohibited.
Fishing Water Reports
 (2)
Ruby is the perfect name for this river, for it is a largely hidden, sparkling gem. Its crystal clear waters begin in the pristine Beaverhead National Forest in southwest Madison County, ... morebetween the Snowcrest Mountains and the Gravelly range. While it starts as a rather thin trickle, it picks up more than a dozen mountain, freestone creeks, and gains velocity as it flows for 40 miles past Alder and into the Ruby Reservoir. Past Alder, the river runs north between the beautiful Tobacco Root Mountains to the northeast and the Ruby Range to the southwest. Nestled in the quaint Ruby Valley, the river is conveniently located a mere thirty minutes from Ennis and a lovely one-hour drive from Bozeman. Like many other rivers in this region, the Ruby is small at only 76 miles in length, but it is full of surprisingly large fish.

Leaving Alder, the Ruby exits the reservoir as a tailwater and supports abundant midge, caddis, and Pale Morning Dun (PMD) hatches. For a short time the river passes through a scenic, arid canyon before abruptly transitioning into a meandering open agricultural valley. At this point the Ruby runs over vast swaths of private land, sometimes making access difficult. The 40 mile descent from Alder to Twin Bridges also crosses over high-end ranch properties, where again, access can be challenging although public access points do exist and can be easily located.

The river is open year round to fishing and conditions are good through all seasons. Springtime on the Ruby brings hatches of baetis and early season caddis. When the water warms in summer, the river will explode with Yellow Sallies and Pale Morning Duns (PMDs), along with hoppers and other terrestrials. Late summer and early fall is considered by many to be the best time to fish, as clouds settle in the high mountain valley providing fast paced action for the streamer enthusiast. Running a nymph rig subsurface, or using a dry/dropper combo is the best technique on the Ruby throughout the year.

Fish will jump for hoppers during the late summer months, while streamer-fishing can very satisfying throughout the summer and early fall. A predominantly brown trout fishery, the Ruby is full of trophies that often reach 18 – 20 inches. The greatest numbers of rainbow trout are found in the first few miles of the river just below the dam. If you seek a unique opportunity, the upper portions of the Ruby rumored to hold rare cutthroat trout and arctic grayling.
On the Water Fishing Reports
Started Here Reports
Date:
Tue, 1 Dec, 2015
Fishing Water Report:
Start Access Site:
Streamer fishing with a bead are your best bet on the Ruby River. Near the dam tends to have the largest concentration of fish. Woolly Buggers and small Copper Johns or Princes are ... moredoing well. Browns are still being caught but they are just finishing up their spawning. Water temperature is running warmer in the afternoon. Try a Sculpin streamer with a slow swing in the deeper pools.
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Facilities
Easy to find
Access
Parking
Shade

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