Beaverhead River Facts

Location:

The Beaverhead River flows out of Clark Canyon Dam in the southwest part of Montana.  After an 85 miles run, the river joins the Big Hole River and forms the Jefferson River.  On its journey, the Beaverhead River passes the towns of Dillon and Twin Bridges.  The Beaverhead is not a large river; flows rarely surpass 800 cfs. 

Features:

Trout in the Beaverhead River are larger on average than in other rivers.  It is not uncommon at all to catch several fish over 20 inches in a day.  The biggest fish live in the first four miles of river below the dam.  This section also sees the most fishing pressure.  The Beaverhead is more suited to float fishing than wading for several reasons.  Among these are difficult wading access due to private land, brushy banks that complicate casting, and powerful, deep currents. 

Seasonal Strategies:

Because it is a tailwater fishery, the Beaverhead River stays clear for the most part during runoff.  If you go early, look for Baetis hatches in early spring, midges year-round and Caddis beginning in April.  In late June or early July PMDs and Yellow Sallies show up.  Tricos provide good surface action late July through early September. 

A fall Baetis hatch really turns the trout on.  Dries are not the best way to catch fish on the Beaverhead.  Nymphs, on average, catch up to nine times more trout than dries.  The trout on the Beaverhead are very selective about dries.  Some days they will rise greedily to a prolific hatch, and the next they won’t.  Fish will be rising in one section, but ten yards downstream, the river will be ominously silent. 

Nymphs are your best bet on the Beaverhead River.  Because the water is difficult to fish well, a day or two with a guide is very beneficial. 

Special Regulations:

Combined trout limit: three daily, one over 18 inches, only one rainbow. 

High Bridge to Henneberry is closed every Saturday from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day to outfitter and nonresident float fishing. 

Henneberry to Pipe Organ Bridge is closed every Sunday from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day to outfitter and nonresident float fishing.

Access and River Mileage

Access is limited on most of the river to designated fishing access sites.  Much of the property by the river is privately owned.  There are many boat launch sites along the Beaverhead River, allowing for varied float trips.