FLOWS:

• Clark Canyon Dam 392 cfs
• Barrett’s 715 cfs
• Dillon 159 cfs

VISIBILITY: Good below Clark Canyon Dam at 4 + feet. Poor below Grasshopper less than 1 foot.

Flows out of Clark Canyon Dam have been increased as irrigators down river start calling for water. Clark Canyon Reservoir is at 60% of full and not forecasted to improve much more. Fishing however remains very good from the Spillway (FAS) downstream to Grasshopper Creek (FAS). Fishing from Grasshopper Creek (FAS) downstream to Barrett’s (FAS) fishing has been inconsistent due to visibility issue’s caused by Grasshopper Creek.

TACTICS AND PATTERNS:

NYMPHING:

• Nymphing a drop shot type leader with two flies under a strike indicator is your best tactic.
• Barr Emerger or Mitchell BWO Splitback olive and brown Zebra Midge’s in black or red, Tailwater Tiny’s, Micro May’s, Psycho May in size #14-18 are all catching fish. Soft Hackle Sowbug’s, Ray Charles in white, tan, orange and pink size #16-18. Pheasant Tail’s, Rainbow Warrior’s San Juan Worm’s in burgundy or red # 16-12.

STREAMERS:

Streamer bite has been fair as water temps have been reaching the upper 40’s.

I like a fairly fast to medium strip and pause retrieve with an aggressive pumping and twitching action. We’re catching fish on Wooley Bugger’s, Wooley Sculpin’s, Zuddler’s, Zonker’s, Kiwi Zonker’s, Conehead Krystal Bugger’s size #2-6.

Streamer color of choice has been natural, olive, yellow and olive combinations, white and black. Check out my Top 10 Streamers for SW Montana.

DRY FLIES:

Dry fly fishing has been pretty hit and miss upriver although Baetis are hatching in the afternoons along with Caddis later in the day.

Try a Sparkle Dun, CDC Dun Parachute Adams in olive or grey size # 16-18. Try adding a dropper tied in with a tag end dropper so your little dry has a chance of staying afloat. I like a Micro May, Psycho May size #16-18. Try an Elk Hair Caddis with a Caddis Pupa tied of the bend. I like a Mathew’s Iris Caddis or Lafontaine’s Sparkle Pupa.

For more information on The Beaverhead River and guided fishing trips on the Beaverhead River please contact us at FishTales Outfitting.