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River guide · Montana

Fly Fishing the Beaverhead River

The Beaverhead punches well above its size: a narrow, spring-loaded tailwater flowing out of Clark Canyon Reservoir that holds thousands of trout per mile. It's technical fishing in intimate water, demanding precise presentations to fish that have seen it all, but the reward is some of the densest trout populations in Montana.

  • 12 shops nearby
  • tailwater
  • March–November
  • Montana
  • 6 key hatches
See fly shops ↓

The best time to fly fish the Beaverhead River is March–November. Key hatches include Midge, Blue, Mother's Day Caddis, Pale Morning Dun. 12 fly shops near the Beaverhead River can outfit your trip.

Fly shops near the Beaverhead River

Shops and guides that fish the Beaverhead River. See all 93 Montana shops →

Backcountry AnglerFrontier Anglers Fly ShopFishTales Outfitting LLCSunrise Fly Shop / LodgingFlatline OutfittersFour Rivers Fishing CoStonefly Inn & FlyshopThe Tackle Shop - Outfitter and Fly ShopMontana TroutwranglersR. R. 406 Fly Fishing Guides
10 fly shops shown

Species on this water

BassBonefishCarpPikeRedfishSalmonSaltwaterSteelheadTarponTrout

Nearby towns

DillonSheridanButte

Rivers nearby

Big Hole RiverJefferson RiverMadison RiverGallatin River
Hatches & seasons

When & what to fish on the Beaverhead River

River typetailwater
Best seasonMarch–November; June–September most popular; upper section opens third Saturday in May
AccessThe river flows north out of Clark Canyon Dam near Dillon, MT. Floating is the most productive way to fish the upper section (Clark Canyon Dam to Barretts Dam); the lower section below Barretts Dam is shallower and more wadeable. Montana FWP access sites include Pipe Organ, Barretts, and High Bridge. Located 30–45 minutes southwest of Dillon.
Key hatches
  • Midge (year-round, essential in winter)
  • Blue-winged Olive / Baetis (spring and fall)
  • Mother's Day Caddis (May)
  • Pale Morning Dun (June–August)
  • Yellow Sally Stonefly (July)
  • Hopper / Crane Fly / Trico (August–September)
From The Fly Bench

Tie the flies that work on the Beaverhead River

Step-by-step tying recipes & videos for these patterns.

Browse all 880+ patterns at The Fly Bench
Gear up

Gear up on the Beaverhead River

Everything you need before the next trip — rods, lines, leaders, and fly-tying materials.

Shop the gear Flies that work

The flies that work on the Beaverhead River

Find the most effective patterns for where you're fishing — and learn to tie them yourself, step by step.

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Updated June 2026