These are the rivers of SW Montana that we fish when we’re not on the Big Hole…
The Beaverhead River
The Beaverhead sits less than an hour from the lodge and this willow lined tailwater fishery resembles a large spring creek. With more than 3,000 trout per mile, the river offers anglers tremendous opportunities to catch large fish, or when conditions are right, large numbers of fish.
The Beaverhead and Big Hole are limited to outfitters with permits to fish these waters ensuring a quality fishing experience without the crowds.
The Jefferson River
Formed by Ruby, Beaverhead and Big Hole Rivers coming together, the “Jeff” is a haven for anglers wanting to cast dry flies, streamers and the famed “girdle bug” to some of the largest trout found in Montana. Floating through the Tobacco Root Valley is a special treat. Each year some of the largest trout caught by guests at CFF are from the Jefferson River. Our guides know this water as well as anyone and can know where the big fish can be found.
Rock Creek
An absolute jewel amongst Montana’s trout streams, Rock Creek seems like a place that hasn’t changed forever. The river flows fast and clear year round, and trout are aggressive and plentiful in a setting that is a classic Montana mountain stream. Rock Creek drains the back side of the Anaconda Wilderness and joins the Clark Fork headed to the Pacific. From sometime in mid-May through June every year anglers float this stunning river on a special, limited permit authorized through the Lolo National Forest. This opportunity is normally from mid may through June. Rock Creek has a wonderful Salmon Fly and Golden Stonefly hatch back to back, and the native Cutthroats, Rainbows and Browns are plentiful and willing. Launches are limited, and early booking is a great idea. This opportunity is provided in cooperation and permitted through and by the Lolo National Forest.
The Bitterroot & Clark Fork
The Bitterroot and Clark Fork River valleys thaw out each spring and offer superlative dry fly fishing in late March and throughout April and May. A little over one hour from the lodge, these two streams sit at lower elevations and are tremendous early season fisheries. Beginning in late March the Skwalla bugs show up and hungry trout that have survived the winter are ready for a meal. The bugs range in size from #6 to #14. These rivers offer productive dry fly fishing to big Brown and Rainbow trout throughout the season.
The Missouri River
An Although the “MO” is a two-hour drive from the lodge, guests never seem to mind the journey through Big Sky Country on their way to the river. Once they get on the water the reason is obvious – The MO is a great fly fishing stream. This tail-water river runs cold and clear year round and is loaded with 18” to 22” brown and rainbow trout. The hatches on the Missouri are legendary beginning the season with the tiny blue-winged olives, followed by pale morning duns along with a blizzard like caddis hatches. For nearly two months, there are Trico spinner falls where trout line up like they are at the buffet line at a Sunday brunch. For the streamer enthusiast, the bugger fishing early and late in the day can be rewarding. A day on the MO is a must if you visit Montana.