Montana Fishing Reports ยท Southwest Region
Below Clark Canyon Dam, the Beaverhead is a narrow, brushy tailwater near Dillon, famous for some of the biggest trout in Montana.
Looking for the latest Beaverhead River report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Beaverhead River โ Dillon.
Current flows
Wind forecast
Beaverhead River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The Twin Bridges gauge reads around 230 cfs. Winter releases from Clark Canyon are low, so fish are tucked into the deeper slots.
Fish scuds, sow bugs and small midges tight to the banks, and strip a small streamer along the willows.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Dillon, bring: Kaufmann', s Scud #14-16, Zebra Midge #18-20, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-18, Woolly Bugger #6-8, San Juan Worm #12, RS2 Emerger #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Beaverhead River details
| Access | Fishing access sites between Clark Canyon Dam and Dillon, including High Bridge and Pipe Organ. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 5,300 ft |
| Nearest town | Dillon, Montana |
| Best season | Spring through fall |
| Fish | Brown and rainbow trout |
| Regulations | Montana's stream regulations vary by district and river. Check Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks regulations for the current rules. A Montana fishing license is required for anglers 12 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 3X to 5X tippet |
| Camping | Clark Canyon Reservoir campgrounds |
| Kids | No. Brushy banks and fast, narrow water. |
| Good to know | It is tight casting. Short, accurate casts win. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Low winter flows.
Spring
Rising releases and BWOs.
Summer
Caddis, PMDs and crane flies.
Fall
Low water and browns.
How to get there
From Dillon, take I-15 south toward Clark Canyon Reservoir.