The Beaverhead River opened Saturday and as usual on the opener, it was busy but it did not disappoint. The flows are pretty low for this time of year at 135 cfs but you can expect that to change as irrigators call for more water. Since there’s not a lot of water in the thinner riffles, the fish are of course relegated to the deep water. Nymphing is the name of the game on the upper Beaverhead. The water is cold and there’s not much hatching, so put your little dries away for another day. This is technical nymphing with an in-line or, what we recommend as the water rises, a drop-shot leader. If you’re not familiar with how to tie one up, you can read my blog post ” One big reason you’re not catching fish nymphing.” by clicking the link below. It explains how to tie one and why this leader is a better choice over an in-line nymphing rig. In the coming weeks as the water levels rise, the fish will be more spread out and not as spooky.
TOP NYMPHS:
Zebra Midges in black and red. We like the black with copper bead and rib sizes #18-22.
Soft Hackle Sow Bugs in pink, tan, orange or with a hot bead sizes #16-20.
Ray Charles in tan, soft pink, or with a hot bead sizes #16-20.
Scuds in tan, light orange, and rainbow sizes#16-20.
Split Back BWO in olive sizes #18-22.
FTO guide Zac Rees with a nice brown trout.
A happy FTO client with a fine Beaverhead brown trout.
The Beaverhead rainbows are awesome!
To learn more about The Beaverhead and guided fly fishing on the Beaverhead and other legendary Montana trout streams, visit us at mtfishtales.com.