Beaverhead River
Clark Canyon Dam to Dillon
SW Montana, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 06016000. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
At 412 cfs, the Beaverhead is running lower than June norms but crystal clear with excellent visibility. PMDs and caddis are both active with water temps in prime range. Backcountry Angler reports BWO hatches on cloudy days, plus productive nymphing with rubberlegs and prince nymphs. Saturday's cool front and rain could trigger stronger emergence — focus midday BWO windows when clouds roll in. Float if possible for best access to productive runs.
- Flow: 412 cfs — low but fishable with exceptional clarity. Stay stealthy in skinny water but browns are feeding actively.
- Hatches: PMDs and caddis both active in 55-60°F water. BWOs emerging on cloudy days — Saturday's front should fire them up midday.
- Water Temp: Mid-to-upper 50s — ideal for PMD emergence. Caddis threshold crossed, golden stones approaching as temps climb.
- Best Window: Midday BWO emergence when cloudy, especially Saturday. Evening PMD/caddis action if weather stays stable.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Tailwater
- Best months: May–Oct, peak July–Sept
The Beaverhead below Clark Canyon Reservoir is Montana's most technical trout fishery. Slow, glassy currents, ultra-clear water, and extremely selective fish make this a destination for seasoned dry fly anglers. The river corridor winds through high desert ranch country — stark and beautiful. Rainbows and browns of impressive size demand small flies, long leaders, and precise casts.
The Beaverhead routinely produces trout over 5 lbs — it's one of the top big-fish destinations in the entire Northern Rockies.
January Outlook
Midge fishing below Clark Canyon Dam is among Montana's most consistent winter tailwater options. Regulated flows keep the river ice-free and fish stack in predictable winter lies.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- WD-40
- Mercury Midge
- RS2
Tips
Target the first few miles below the dam where water is warmest. Fish are stacked in the deep, slow runs. Two-midge indicator rig in #22–24 is standard. Very little winter pressure.
Water Notes
Regulated 100–400 cfs from Clark Canyon Dam. Water 40–46°F year-round. One of the most reliable winter fisheries in Montana.
February Outlook
Consistent midge activity with first BWO hints in late February. The Beaverhead's tailwater character makes it fishable when other rivers are locked up.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Juju Baetis
- RS2
- WD-40
Tips
The 11am–2pm window is the money time. Work the slow flats between the dam and Dillon carefully. Fish are visible in the clear tailwater — precise presentations are rewarded.
Water Notes
100–350 cfs. Constant tailwater temperatures 42–48°F. Clear and fishable year-round.
March Outlook
BWO hatches become consistent on warm afternoons. The Beaverhead spring season begins. This challenging river requires patience but rewards skilled anglers.
Productive Patterns
- Sparkle Dun #20
- CDC Dun
- RS2
- Pheasant Tail
Tips
The Beaverhead is notoriously technical — long, flat, clear water demands fine tippet and precise presentations. Position carefully before casting. March BWO hatches are the best of the year.
Water Notes
200–500 cfs. Water 44–52°F building toward spring. Runoff reaches the tailwater belatedly.
April Outlook
Excellent spring tailwater fishing. PMDs and BWO overlap for consistent hatch activity. The Beaverhead sees less runoff impact than free-flowing rivers due to dam regulation.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- BWO Parachute
- Soft Hackle Emerger
- RS2
Tips
April is the Beaverhead's prime spring month. Float from Clark Canyon to Dillon for the best access to rising fish. Fish are selective — match the specific hatch carefully.
Water Notes
300–600 cfs. Tailwater insulated from runoff. Water 48–56°F. Prime spring conditions.
May Outlook
PMD, Caddis, and consistent dry fly fishing. Prolific hatches for a river of this size. The Beaverhead produces some of Montana's largest brown trout.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Cripple
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Soft Hackle
- Pheasant Tail
Tips
Evening caddis hatches in May are exceptional. Float between Clark Canyon and Dillon for the most productive water. Long leaders and light tippet are non-negotiable.
Water Notes
400–800 cfs. Water 52–60°F. Protected from runoff by the dam. Prime fishing continues.
June Outlook
Excellent conditions. PMDs, Caddis, and Golden Stones in sequence. The Beaverhead's large browns are active and feeding throughout the day.
Productive Patterns
- PMD
- Golden Stone
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Stimulator
Tips
June is one of the Beaverhead's finest months. Float the river to cover the most productive water — wading access is limited in many sections. Evening hatches are spectacular.
Water Notes
500–1,000 cfs. Water 55–63°F. Excellent conditions.
July Outlook
Hopper-dropper season begins. The Beaverhead's braided willowy banks create perfect terrestrial habitat. Trico spinner falls at dawn in the slow tailout pools.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper-Dropper
- Trico Spinner
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD Cripple
Tips
Float fishing is nearly essential — the brushy banks make wading difficult but provide perfect overhead cover for big fish. Hopper tight to the willows is the signature Beaverhead presentation.
Water Notes
400–800 cfs. Water 60–67°F. Monitor temps in August. Fish early on hot days.
August Outlook
Prime hopper season on a river with extraordinary habitat. The Beaverhead is one of Montana's finest hopper rivers for large brown trout.
Productive Patterns
- Dave's Hopper
- Chubby Chernobyl
- Trico Spinner
- Parachute Ant
Tips
The Beaverhead's famous willow-lined banks are hopper heaven. A size 8–10 hopper presented tight to the bank is the pattern of the season. Early morning Trico falls in the flat water below the dam.
Water Notes
350–650 cfs. Water 63–68°F midday. Fish early morning and evening on hottest days. Tailwater keeps temps manageable.
September Outlook
Excellent. Cooling temperatures, BWO hatches return, and pre-spawn browns are aggressive. The Beaverhead September is outstanding.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Hopper
- Streamer
- Mahogany Dun
Tips
September BWO hatches on the Beaverhead are excellent — fish sip flies from the surface in the flat sections. Streamers along the willow banks in the morning produce the season's largest fish.
Water Notes
300–600 cfs. Crystal clear. Water 54–62°F. Prime fall conditions.
October Outlook
Brown trout streamer season and spectacular fall BWO hatches. The Beaverhead's large browns are the most active of the year before spawning.
Productive Patterns
- Articulated Streamer
- Blue Winged Olive
- Mahogany Dun
- Copper John
Tips
October streamers on the Beaverhead are world-class. Large browns move from the deeper pools to feed aggressively. Float the river and swing streamers through every good bend and eddy.
Water Notes
250–550 cfs. Low and clear. Water 44–54°F. Large fish highly active.
November Outlook
Midging continues productively. Brown trout spawning underway — leave redds alone. The dam-regulated river stays open and fishable through November.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Pheasant Tail
- WD-40
Tips
Fish midges in the slow tailout sections 11am–2pm. Avoid walking near visible spawning redds. The Beaverhead is one of few Montana rivers worth fishing in November.
Water Notes
200–450 cfs. Water 40–48°F. Stable dam-regulated flows. Open through winter.
December Outlook
Year-round tailwater fishing. Midge activity on mild days. A winter trip to the Beaverhead below Clark Canyon is a genuine Montana experience.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Mercury Midge
- RS2
- Juju Baetis
Tips
The Clark Canyon Dam section stays open all winter. Noon–2pm is the prime window. Deep, slow tailout pools hold concentrations of fish. Fine tippet and small midges produce.
Water Notes
100–350 cfs. Water 40–46°F. Open year-round. One of Montana's best winter tailwater options.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midge Chironomidae |
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec | #18–22 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis tricaudatus |
Apr, Oct | Mar, Apr, May, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella inermis |
Jul | Jun, Jul, Aug | #16–18 |
|
| Caddis Hydropsyche / Brachycentrus spp. |
Jul, Aug | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | #12–18 |
|
| Yellow Sally Isoperla / Chloroperlidae |
Jul | Jul, Aug | #12–16 |
|
| Trico Tricorythodes spp. |
Aug | Aug, Sep | #18–20 |
|
| Hoppers Acrididae / Tettigoniidae |
Aug | Jul, Aug, Sep | #8–12 |
|
| Cranefly Tipula spp. |
Aug | Jul, Aug, Sep | #10–14 |
|
Access & Approach
Clark Canyon Reservoir to Dillon. Primary access at Pipe Organ, Henneberry, and BWCF accesses. Wading is possible but challenging — many anglers use a drift boat. Private land flanks much of the river; stay in the channel.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Backcountry Angler
- The Stonefly Inn & Fly Shop
- Madison River Fishing Company
Regulations & License
Fishing in Montana requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Montana fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Beaverhead River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
Beaverhead River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
Open the live forecast for today's numbers and the 7-day outlook, or download the iOS app to carry it with you on the water.