Beaverhead River 
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:
-
Arctic Grayling, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Burbot, Common Carp, Longnose Dace, Longnose Sucker, Mottled Sculpin, Mountain Sucker, Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout, White Sucker
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. Until you identify your catch, please handle all fish carefully. Thank you.
Fishing Regulations
View the latest Montana Fishing Regulations.
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 Pressure
Mouth to Headwaters (River Mile: 0 to 75)
| Year |
Days Fished¹ |
Trips² |
State Rank³ |
Regional Rank³ |
| 2007 |
28,005 |
457 |
18 |
6 |
| 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
