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Wading the upper river in most areas is difficult because
of the brushy steep banks and deep hard pushing flows.
Floating is the easiest and most productive way to fish
this section. Route 15 follows the upper river from Clark
Canyon Dam past Barretts Diversion Dam to the town of
Dillon. Route 15 turns north towards Melrose and the
Big Hole River at the town of Dillon.
Barretts Diversion Dam takes a significant amount
of flow away from the lower Beaverhead for irrigation
purposes. From the diversion dam to Dillon the river
tends to warm faster with the increased distance from
the cold outflow at Clark Canyon Dam and the smaller
amount of water flow although it does hold a good number
of quality brown and some rainbow trout. Wade fishing
the lower section of river is much easier and does
attract more anglers who choose not to float.
Down river from Dillon the Beaverhead is not as productive,
although it does hold a decent number of trout. The
river below Dillon is followed by Route 41 all the
way to Twin Bridges where it meets the Big Hole River.
Hatches on the Beaverhead include Blue-winged
Olives, Pale
Morning Duns, caddis, stoneflies, and craneflies.
The stoneflies that hatch include large golden stones
and small yellow
sallies. Caddis can come in a variety of colors
although tan seems to be the most predominant.
Dry fly fishing can be challenging sometimes and at
other times seem "brainless". Nymphs and
streamers are also extremely effective on the river.
If you're planning a trip to the Beaverhead or surrounding
area, Bozeman and Butte offer the closest commercial
flights. Dillon is the main town on the Beaverhead
although surrounding towns serve access to the area.
It is a beautiful part of the state with a lot of wildlife.
Seeing moose and other animals is always a possibility.
Fly fishing on the picturesque Beaverhead River is
top notch that many anglers come back to experience
year after year. |
