Montana Fishing Reports ยท Southwest Region
Below Ruby Reservoir, the Ruby is a small, winding tailwater near Alder with browns in tight bends and limited public access.
Looking for the latest Ruby 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 Ruby River (below the reservoir).
Current flows
Wind forecast
Ruby River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The gauge below the reservoir reads around 44 cfs, low and clear.
Small nymphs and short, careful casts to the bends.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Below Ruby Reservoir, bring: Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-18, Zebra Midge #18-20, Kaufmann', s Scud #14-16, Parachute Adams #16-18, 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.
Ruby River details
| Access | Bridge crossings and limited public access below the dam. Much of the river is private. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 5,300 ft |
| Nearest town | Alder, 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, 5X tippet |
| Camping | Ruby Reservoir and BLM camping |
| Kids | Partly. |
| Good to know | Stay in the stream channel at bridge access points. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Low and cold.
Spring
Rising releases.
Summer
Caddis and hoppers.
Fall
Low water.
How to get there
From Twin Bridges, take State Highway 287 east to Alder.