Beaverhead River Montana Fly Fishing Map | Public Access Guide
Beaverhead River Montana Fly Fishing Map | Public Access Guide
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Product Description:
Beaverhead & Ruby Rivers Montana Pocket Fishing Guide Map
The Beaverhead River in southwest Montana is a legendary tailwater fishery known for producing some of the largest brown and rainbow trout in the state—often in surprisingly small water. Flowing from Clark Canyon Reservoir near Dillon and joining the Big Hole River at Twin Bridges to form the Jefferson, the Beaverhead is a technical, high-stakes river where precision and presentation matter.
Predominant Fish Species in the Beaverhead River, Montana
1. Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)
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The dominant species, especially below Clark Canyon Dam.
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Many grow well over 20 inches, with trophy browns approaching 24–28 inches not uncommon.
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Very wary and live in tight structure—challenging and rewarding targets.
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Prime targets for nymphs and streamers.
2. Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
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Present in solid numbers, especially in the upper river near the dam.
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Known for strong fights and acrobatic runs.
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Often caught alongside browns while nymphing.
Other Fish Species
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Mountain Whitefish – Abundant, particularly in the lower river.
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Brook Trout – Rare, mostly in cooler tributaries.
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Cutthroat and Cutbows – Occasional, more common in feeder streams and upper reaches.
Top Hatches & Fly Patterns
Because of its tailwater nature and rich aquatic life, the Beaverhead boasts dense hatches—and trout feed almost year-round.
Spring (March–May)
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Midges
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Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs)
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Mother’s Day Caddis
Summer (June–August)
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PMDs – One of the most important hatches (especially late June to early July)
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Yellow Sallies
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Caddisflies
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Tricos – Especially mid-to-late summer
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Sowbugs & Scuds – Year-round subsurface food source from the dam
Fall (Sept–Oct)
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BWOs
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Mahogany Duns
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October Caddis
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Streamers – Big browns get aggressive pre-spawn
Notable River Sections
1. Clark Canyon Dam to Barretts
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Best-known stretch for trophy trout.
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Technical fishing—small flies, light tippets, precise drifts.
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Limited wade access; floating is often best (though challenging due to narrow channels and weeds).
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Can get very crowded in summer.
2. Barretts to Dillon
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Productive fishing continues with slightly wider water.
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More accessible for wade fishing in some spots.
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Dense aquatic vegetation—both a challenge and a boon for bug life and fish.
3. Dillon to Twin Bridges
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River slows and warms.
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Still supports decent brown trout population but also more whitefish and occasional warmwater species.
Map Features
Pocket-sized on land. Powerfully detailed on water. Built for serious anglers—and smart retailers.
Ready to fish smarter, not harder? Our Beaverhead & Ruby Rivers Fishing Map is your essential guide from the dam at Clark Canyon through Dillon and all the way to the confluence at Twin Bridges. Also includes the Ruby River from it's headwaters to the confluence with the Beaverhead River just south of Twin Bridges.
Designed by local experts, this map highlights public access points, boat launches, river miles, and the legendary trophy trout waters that make the Beaverhead one of the finest tailwaters in the West.
Covering all public lands—federal, state, and county—it also includes exclusive parking areas and lesser-known easements not found on any other map. Whether you’re stalking big browns below High Bridge, drifting through farmland near Barretts, or teaching a first-timer in town, this map puts expert-level knowledge right in your pocket.
Why Anglers Love This Map:
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Pinpoint hotspots fast with detailed access and float info
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Navigate confidently with clearly marked public land boundaries
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Discover hidden parking and entry points for better water access
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Maximize your time on the water with trusted local insights
Pocket-Sized and Guide-Tested
Folded to 3” x 6” and unfolding to 15” x 12”, this tear-resistant map fits easily in any vest, pack, or glovebox—built for sun, wind, rain, and river spray.
Use the GPS-enabled QR Code to track your location, zoom in, and mirror the map digitally—ideal for planning or navigating on the move.
Retailers: Want a Map That Practically Sells Itself?
This map is a must-have for fly shops, guide services, and outdoor stores in the Dillon–Twin Bridges region. Compact, rugged, and locally made—it’s a perfect grab-and-go product for both visiting anglers and longtime locals.
Don’t just fish the Beaverhead—understand it, explore it, and make every cast count