Local Rivers

THE BEAVERHEAD RIVER

The Beaverhead River is one of Montana's finest trophy trout streams starting at the outflow of Clark canyon reservoir. The Beaverhead is a small tail water with approximately 60 miles of water to fish and around 3000 fish per mile. With that comes the opportunity to catch lots of large fish. It mainly consists of rainbows and brown trout that are wild, big, and in amazing shape. Dry flies, dry droppers, streamers and nymphing are all effective ways to catch fish. Caddis, PMDs, Yellow Sally, some Stone flies, hoppers, crane flies, and October Caddis are popular hatches. The Beaverhead is surrounded by willows on the banks and cottonwoods in the background. The ability to fish both The Beaverhead and The Big Hole within 30 minutes or less is a great variation while spending time in the Dillon area. The Beaverhead River does not disappoint and gives anglers a big opportunity to tie into some great fishing.

THE BIG HOLE RIVER

When you think of fly fishing in a mountain river you instinctually envision the Big Hole River. It has everything an angler could ask for- the blue-ribbon trout stream justifies its reputation as one of the best fly fishing waters in America. The Big Hole River starts up in the high mountain and braids through the lush meadows. It then riffles along narrow canyons, before it runs into the Beaverhead and creates the Jefferson River. Every portion of the river offers a chance to fish for rainbows, cut bows, brown trout and some Arctic grayling.  Fishing dry flies, dry droppers, streamers and nymphing are all common ways to angel. Its insect hatches consist of blue wing olives, catas, salmon flies, stone flies, PMDs, spruce, moths, hoppers, and tricos. It's a permitted river which limits outside pressure, and that is a great thing. I often say, “This piece of water is big medicine for the soul”. It is surreal at times while drifting down. The Big Hole River is my favorite and will forever hold a special place in my heart.

THE RUBY RIVER

Arguably, one of Montana’s finest wade fish streams. It is situated between the Tobacco root and Ruby mountain range. It runs 25 miles long from the Dam until entering the Beaverhead. A little piece of shangri la tranquil and intriguing. When I first left Helena back in 1997 and ventured to Southwest Montana, I found myself borderline obsessed with the area and its surroundings. Every bend of The Ruby seemed to create a new adventure for me. We normally start to fish the river in late March and early April, and it continues to provide great fishing from the spring time to late fall. We typically fish small streamers and wooly buggers. The Ruby has one of the better Mother's Day caddis hatches around. During prime time in the summer, mayflies and drakes are worth fishing on the surface. The nymphing is usually a runaway; these fish love to gorge themselves on small underwater insects. Rainbows are dominant; however, there are a good number of brown trout to be had. If you like to wade, put the ruby on your bucket list!

THE JEFFERSON

If you like the idea of catching big Browns and some of Montana’s hottest rainbows, this trip is for you! The Jeff is a wider than average Montana trout stream. It is made up of the Beaverhead, Big Hole, and Ruby rivers. Three great fisheries! The Jefferson River is nestled deep in a valley, surrounded by cottonwoods and the scenic Tobacco Root Mountain range. The number of fish varies and so does the water flow. Traffic is light most days. The Browns are larger than average, and the rainbows are hotter than heck because of the intricate menu the stream offers. In the spring you will see Skwala flies, other Big Stone flies, and some great Blue-Wing Olive fishing. Early summer and throughout the season the crayfish are a large portion of the trout’s diet. Quite often, the Jeff gets some amazing brown and grey drake action, giving the angler an opportunity to head hunt. Late summer and fall will consist of hoppers, ants and Streamer. When big Browns eat, they eat big! The Jefferson is a great slice of Montana and what it has to offer.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

If you like new water and no crowds, you have found it with PDO. HR and his guides have worked hard over the last 20 years to seek out Montana’s most premier “Off the Beaten Path” water around.  Anyone that has fished with PDO in the past knows they have raised the bar and created the angle on these special waters. We believe these trips are unique and a one-of-a-kind Montana Experience. Come and enjoy these great adventures “OBP” with us at Perfect Drift Outfitters.

Prices vary