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The Rivers We Fish Include
Introduction - Below is a a list of the rivers we guide on.
Besides being one the best Trout rivers around, the Madison is our "home stream"
and we do most of our trips here. However, if there is
Madison River -
(Back to Top) - As previously mentioned the
Madison is our "Home Stream." It is a beautiful river with stunning
mountain scenery in virtually every direction. This is classic Big Sky country.
We fish the Madison predominately from a drift boat, but there are also
many opportunities to wade fish.
Both the middle and lower sections of this Blue Ribbon river fish well for larger Rainbows and Browns. The average fish are Brown and Rainbow Trout 14-16" but many very large Rainbows and Browns, 20 inches and larger, are being caught regularly during all seasons. Go to the Hall of fame to see a few Pigs. The Madison fishes well throughout most of the year except the extreme winter months when we'd rather being skiing or casting to Bonefish anyway. April and May can be two of the best months of the year on the lower Madison. The water begins to warm as the days grow longer and we start to see significant insect hatches. First there are Midges, then Baetis, then finally the much anticipated Mother's Day Caddis hatch in early May. This is often some of the best dry fly fishing of the year. Any serious angler should consider a trip during this pre-runoff spring bonanza.
Beginning in late June the Madison usually turns on for the summer action. Great fishing can be had at virtually any time between July and September. Action comes on a variety of patterns and tactics. Larger trout are often caught on streamer patterns.
Big Hole River
- (Back to Top) - The Big Hole is a
classic Trout stream. It has all the classic structures; riffles, runs pools,
and cut banks. The big Hole is a very long river with many miles of good
Dry fly action on this river is usually very good beginning in early spring with the Baetis through the prime summer and fall months. Streamers are also very effective, especially for larger fish. Several 6-8 lb. Brown Trout were taken this past summer on streamers.
Beaverhead River- (Back to Top) - A unique Trout stream in every way. It is very small yet hosts one of the state's largest trophy Trout populations. A recent population survey revealed approximately 700 Trout per mile that were 20" or better. The best section is directly below Clark Canyon Reservoir. Drive time is about an hour and a half each way from Ennis but it's usually well worth the trip. We usually float the
Beaverhead, however the best fishing is had by stopping frequently to wade fish. The best fishing is usually found by using small nymphs and large streamers. There are times when drys work well, especially the cranefly hatch in late summer, but these large trout tend to feed below the surface much of the time. Click here to see a photo of a nice Beaverhead Brown Trout taken on a #20 Hare's Ear nymph. The prime stretch of the Beaverhead doesn't open until the third Saturday in May, but it usually fishes well from then until it closes again in November.
Ruby River - (Back to Top) - The Ruby is a beautiful small stream. In fact to call it a river is really a misnomer. Most of the locals would refer to it as a "crik". It is located just over the Virginia City hill from Ennis, about a 25 minute drive each way. This stream is fished on foot and is ideal for your light rods (1-4 wt.). The fish however are usually not that light. Average trout are 10-14" Rainbows and Browns, but there are many in the 16-18" class and it is not unusual to hook a 20 incher. Landing it however might be a different story. Light rods, fine tippets, and small flies make a large Trout quite a challenge here. There are good hatches all year beginning in early April with the midges and Baetis. Fish frequently rise readily to drys. Small nymphs fished through the riffles and deep runs also work very well. Streamers can also be real killers on this little gem. My vision of Heaven includes a stream just like the Ruby where only I am allowed to fish! What more can I say.
Yellowstone River -
(Back to Top) - The Yellowstone is the last
"wild" river in the lower 48. It is a spectacular river from top to
bottom. We fish the section between Yankee Jim Canyon and the town of Big
Timber. This is the area known as Paradise Valley and if you've fished the
Yellowstone there, you know why. The views of the Beartooth/Absaroka mountain
range are spectacular. It's about a 90 minute trip each way from Ennis. The Yellowstone is a large western river and is best fished from a drift boat. It offers good dry fly, streamer, and nymph fishing at different times of the year. It has all the structure of a classic trout stream, but on a magnum scale. There are also many magnum fish in this big river. Streamers are usually the best way to catch the big ones. Dry fly action is good during late summer and early fall using the ubiquitous hopper patterns. Due to its wild nature, runoff on the Yellowstone is substantial and can extend well into July or even August. For this reason the Yellowstone usually fishes best in the spring (march-may) and in the fall (Sept.-Nov.).
Jefferson River - (Back to Top) - Named by Lewis and Clark after Thomas Jefferson, this river is what's known as a "sleeper." Trout populations aren't that good compared to other area rivers, however fishing pressure is almost non-existent and there is something to be said for that. When the Trout of the Jefferson do turn on though, there are more than enough to make for some good fishing. And, there have been many true lunkers (5-7lbs.) caught here. The Jeff is a large slow moving river formed by the confluence of the Ruby, Beaverhead, and Big Hole. It is generally an early and late season river due to water temperatures and flows. It will usually fish best on cloudy days. If you got some time to explore it's worth a day trip. If nothing else it's cool to float a stretch of river that the Lewis & Clark Expedition also floated.
Smith River
-(Back
to Top) Yet another named by the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Robert
Smith
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Montana Trout Stalkers |
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a
specific river you want to fish, let us know and we'll make arrangements to take
you there. If you want to sample several different rivers over the course of
several days, we can do that too. We keep close tabs on the fishing in all of
these rivers so we will usually be able to predict where fishing will be most
productive and enjoyable. For a list of 
Runoff
usually happens between about May 15th and July 1st, however conditions vary
year to year so be sure to check with us if you want to fish during this time.
trout
fishing. It is well suited to both wading and floating. We prefer to float.
There are many possible full day floats on the Big Hole. Drive times range from
about 40 minutes to an hour and a half each way.
As I mentioned this is a small stream. The willows put a tight press on the
river, targets move fast and change quickly making this a difficult place to
fish out of the boat.
was
Secretary of the Navy in 1805 under Thomas Jefferson. We are acting as a booking
agent for a few different Smith River Outfitters. For information on 
