Beaverhead River Montana Mug

Beaverhead River Montana Mug

Add a splash of color to your morning coffee or tea ritual! These ceramic mugs not only have a beautiful design on them, but also a colorful rim, handle, and inside, so the mug is bound to spice up your mug rack.

• Ceramic
• Colored rim, inside, and handle
• Dishwasher and microwave safe

The Beaverhead River in southwest Montana is a legendary tailwater fishery known for producing some of the largest brown and rainbow trout in the state—often in surprisingly small water. Flowing from Clark Canyon Reservoir near Dillon and joining the Big Hole River at Twin Bridges to form the Jefferson, the Beaverhead is a technical, high-stakes river where precision and presentation matter.

Predominant Fish Species in the Beaverhead River, Montana

1. Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)

• The dominant species, especially below Clark Canyon Dam.

• Many grow well over 20 inches, with trophy browns approaching 24–28 inches not uncommon.

• Very wary and live in tight structure—challenging and rewarding targets.

• Prime targets for nymphs and streamers.

2. Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

• Present in solid numbers, especially in the upper river near the dam.

• Known for strong fights and acrobatic runs.

• Often caught alongside browns while nymphing.

Other Fish Species

• Mountain Whitefish – Abundant, particularly in the lower river.

• Brook Trout – Rare, mostly in cooler tributaries.

• Cutthroat and Cutbows – Occasional, more common in feeder streams and upper reaches.

Top Hatches & Fly Patterns

Because of its tailwater nature and rich aquatic life, the Beaverhead boasts dense hatches—and trout feed almost year-round.

Spring (March–May)

• Midges

• Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs)

• Mother’s Day Caddis

Summer (June–August)

• PMDs – One of the most important hatches (especially late June to early July)

• Yellow Sallies

• Caddisflies

• Tricos – Especially mid-to-late summer

• Sowbugs & Scuds – Year-round subsurface food source from the dam

Fall (Sept–Oct)

• BWOs

• Mahogany Duns

• October Caddis

• Streamers – Big browns get aggressive pre-spawn

Notable River Sections

1. Clark Canyon Dam to Barretts

• Best-known stretch for trophy trout.

• Technical fishing—small flies, light tippets, precise drifts.

• Limited wade access; floating is often best (though challenging due to narrow channels and weeds).

• Can get very crowded in summer.

2. Barretts to Dillon

• Productive fishing continues with slightly wider water.

• More accessible for wade fishing in some spots.

• Dense aquatic vegetation—both a challenge and a boon for bug life and fish.

3. Dillon to Twin Bridges

• River slows and warms.

• Still supports decent brown trout population but also more whitefish and occasional warmwater species.