As our friends refer to secret spots - the Ruby River is a "sleeper". From the dam to Twin Bridges, Montana there is over 40 miles of twisting, turning trout water. Good public access makes this a great place to spend an afternoon before, during or after your trip with us.
What the Ruby offers:
Classic small stream fishing
Reliable hatches of PMD's, Caddis, and Blue Wings
Great numbers of trout, from the dam to Twin Bridges
AMPLE public access
A great place to finish up your day or trip
What is Included:
Lunch Drinks & Snacks Flies Tackle
| Angler | 1 angler | Daily | 1 day | $ 495 |
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.
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This is a small town with a big heart, a veritable fisherman’s paradise. Located near the fish-filled Madison River, and surrounded by the waters of Ennis Lake, the Ruby River, Hebgen ... moreLake, Quake Lake, Henry’s Lake, the Big Hole River and scores of smaller streams, the town boasts what many consider the best trout fishing in the world. As well known for its wranglers as its anglers, Ennis has succeeded in maintaining the look and feel of its original, gold town roots. Warm and hospitable, the area offers a wide variety of accommodations ranging from simple campsites, rustic motels and gracious hotels, to full-service, luxury resorts. Fly shops are numerous, stocked by local experts ready to advise and assist, while guides can be booked for trips throughout the area.
Boredom is the only thing unavailable in Ennis. Throughout the summer season the city hosts a series of events, including its renowned 4th of July Celebration Parade and a genuine, old-fashioned rodeo. In August, fly-fishing luminaries from around the US, flock to Montana to compete in the Madison Fly Fishing Festival. Athletes also find their way to Ennis to compete in the city’s Madison Trifecta, two shorter races followed by a full Marathon at 9000 feet, the highest elevation run in America. For the true sportsman, October falls in with the annual Hunter’s Feed. What’s caught, typically elk, moose deer, pheasant and bobcat, gets cooked on the streets and served up to hungry spectators.
Flanked by three grand mountain ranges, The Tobacco Root, Gravelly and Madison, Ennis is scenic and entertaining – truly an authentic, fly fisher’s haven.
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Welcome to the Stonefly Inn & Outfitters, Montana's "Last Best Fly Fishing Lodge", located in the heart of Montana's Blue Ribbon Trout Country.... more
Based in Twin Bridges, we are licensed outfitters on the Big Hole, The Beaverhead, The Madison, The Jefferson, the Missouri and the Ruby Rivers. That's right - there is over three hundred miles of world class Montana fly fishing water within an hour’s drive of your cabin door.
FIVE Blue Ribbon Rivers. Six guest cabins, great steaks and the best guides in the zip code. Join us here at The Stonefly Inn and let us show you our definition of "Montana's best fly fishing". Because when it’s over, the fishing was just one part of your Montana fly fishing vacation.
Lodging: Staying at The Stonefly Inn, you will enjoy clean, freshly remodeled cabins that will make you look forward to returning from your day on the water. In a time of fast food, roadside motels and less than friendly service, we are "the other guys" that do it right. And we're located right in Twin Bridges, a five minute walk from the Beaverhead River. We have six cabins that can accommodate up to 12 anglers. Each cabin has 2 queen beds, and more than enough space for 2 anglers and all of their gear.
You can expect clean, comfortable cabins with all the amenities of any chain motel. Each cabin has Direct TV and Wi-Fi access is available - but if you choose to leave those options for when you return home, we understand! Daily housekeeping is standard, and you will return to your beds being made, fresh towels on the racks and the coffee pot ready to roll for the morning.
Whether you are our guest for one night or five, comfortable cabins, clean sheets, warm showers and a family down home Montana atmosphere await you. During your stay in Twin Bridges, The Stonefly Inn will be your home away from home. Other amenities include complimentary wi-fi internet, satellite television and a buffet style breakfast served each morning. After a long day of fly fishing, you're invited to unwind, maybe tell a tall tale or two and get to know other Stonefly Inn guests at the Stonefly "Roost" Lounge. Our outfitted guests can also enjoy nightly dinners from the grill. Montana beef and Alaskan salmon are just the tip of the iceberg - many times prepared by none other than Rooster himself!
The Stonefly Inn operates primarily as a fishing lodge throughout the summer months, but we welcome all fishermen and travelers on a space available basis - please call us at (406) 684-5648 and check our availability! We have six cabins that can accommodate up to 12 anglers. Each cabin has 2 queen beds, and three of our cabins have kitchenettes for the do-it yourselfers out there.
When you return to the Stonefly after a day of fishing - you can look forward to appetizers and refreshments in the spacious screened in patio of "The Roost". Our guest lounge comfortably seats up to 20 guests, and is often the hub of information each night. Our meals are prepared our chef, Monique, and range from Montana beef to Alaskan Salmon. Late night "seminars" are quite common, as our guides tend to migrate to the Roost just about the time dinner is served. One word of caution, when the liars dice gets started you might want to head for the barn!
Cancellation Policy
Standard
- Cancellations made 14 days before will be fully refunded.
- Cancellations made 7 days before will be refunded 50% of the amount paid.
- Cancellations made at a later date will not be refunded.
Payment directly with Wade Trip on the Ruby River with Stonefly Outfitters.
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