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Montana Fishing Guide

Beaverhead River

Beaverhead River Blue Ribbon StreamRed Ribbon Stream

Tributary of Jefferson River.
(River Mile: 0 to 75)
Launch Interactive Map
Although originally formed at the confluence of the Red Rock River and Horse Prairie Creek, the Beaverhead River now begins its 69-mile-long journey at the outlet of Clark Canyon Reservoir, an irrigation storage facility constructed in 1964. It joins the Big Hole River at Twin Bridges, Montana, to form the Jefferson River. The river above Dillon is characterized by a tight channel meandering through densely covered willow banks. From Dillon, it flows through a broad open agricultural valley for 50 miles before reaching Twin Bridges. Its channel is restricted through a narrow canyon during part of its lower journey near Point of Rocks. The water in the Beaverhead River is comparatively cold, except in areas subject to dewatering, mainly located in the lower river. Fish cover primarily consists of submerged and overhanging bank vegetation, undercuts and long, deep pools.

Total Length:  75 miles
FWP Region:  Region 3
Fishing District:  Central Fishing District



Species Present
Game Fish Opportunities:
Brown Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout
All Species Present:
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Burbot, Common Carp, Longnose Dace, Longnose Sucker, Mottled Sculpin, Mountain Sucker, Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout, White Sucker, Arctic Grayling
NOTE: There may be game fish present (including Species of Concern) that are not listed in the game fish category due to low numbers for that fish or special regulations. Until you identify your catch, please handle all fish carefully. Thank you.

Fishing Regulations
Standard Fishing Regulations for the Central Fishing District
The standard fishing regulations for the fishing district(s) apply. Please check your copy of the regulations, or visit the site(s) linked above for more information.
Exceptions to Standard Regulations
Clark Canyon Dam To Anderson Lane
Combined Trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 18 inches and only 1 rainbow trout.
Clark Canyon Dam To Pipe Organ Bridge
Open third Saturday in May through November 30.
High Bridge FAS To Henneberry FAS
Closed to float fishing by nonresidents and float outfitting on each Saturday from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
Henneberry FAS To Pipe Organ Bridge
Closed to float fishing by nonresidents and float outfitting on each Sunday from the third Sunday in May through Labor Day.
Downstream From Pipe Organ Bridge
Open entire year.
Highway 91 South Bridge (Tash Bridge) To Selway Bridge
Closed to float outfitting from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
Anderson Lane Downstream To Mouth (Near Twin Bridges)
Combined Trout: 5 daily and in possession, 1 over 18 inches, only 1 may be a rainbow trout.
Boating Regulations

Standard Boating Regulations for the State of Montana

Exceptions to Standard Boating Regulations by County
*Applies to all rivers & streams
County Regulation Description & Exceptions
Beaverhead Closed to motorboats over 10 HP
 See exception on Big Hole River
Madison Closed to motorboats over 10 HP

Fishing Access Sites
High Bridge  River Mile: 73
  Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates.  10 acre(s).
Henneberry  River Mile: 70
Ramp access from east side.  Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates.  603 acre(s).
Pipe Organ  River Mile: 68
  Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates.  6 acre(s).
Grasshopper  River Mile: 63
  Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates.  1 acre(s).
Corrals  River Mile: 61
  Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates.  3 acre(s).
Poindexter Slough  River Mile: 53
Walk-in area, two parking areas, no boat access.  Seasonal. Contact the regional office for open and closure dates.  410 acre(s).
NOTE: All river Fishing Access Sites (FAS) are listed in descending order by river mile from headwaters to mouth. The mouth of a stream is its confluence with another body of water and is considered mile 0.


Fishing Pressure
Mouth to Headwaters   (River Mile: 0 to 75)
Year Days Fished¹ Trips² State Rank³ Regional Rank³
2005 22,069 438 28 10
2003 26,968 645 24 10
2001 14,574 252 43 12
1999 39,622 931 17 6

¹  Estimated yearly fishing use in angler days (one angler fishing one body of water in one day for any amount of time).
²  The number of times that a section of water was reported as having been fished (used to estimate the number of "Days Fished").
³  How this section of water ranked among all surveyed sections in the state or region, based on "Days Fished" in a survey year.
 
Stocking Info
Stocking Avg Number
Date Species Length (in) Stocked
Jun, 2002 Arctic Grayling 8.3 32,046
May, 2002 Arctic Grayling 4.3 5,065
Jun, 2001 Arctic Grayling 7.4 12,468
Jul, 2000 Arctic Grayling 6.9 484
Jun, 2000 Arctic Grayling 6.1 14,528
Aug, 1999 Arctic Grayling 8.3 11,908
Jul, 1999 Arctic Grayling 8.3 6,344

Gauging Stations
Beaverhead River at Barretts MT
View Data | River Mile: 61
Beaverhead River at Dillon MT
View Data | River Mile: 49
Beaverhead River near Twin Bridges MT
View Data | River Mile: 25

 
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Friday, July 25, 2008 - 2:18:13 AM