Ruby River, Montana

Fishing the Ruby River

If you like fishing smaller streams, the Ruby River in Southwest Montana is for you! The Ruby flows from the Gravelly Mountains located east of our Lodge. The upper stretches, above the Ruby Reservoir,  lie within National Forest lands. Here the river bank is a mix of woods, tall grasses and bushes. Average sized cutthroats and rainbows inhabit these waters. Less fishing pressure is found in the upper stretches while the mountains and the big sky of Montana provide a pleasing backdrop.

Below the Ruby Reservoir Dam

Below the Ruby Reservoir Dam, you’ll find great brown trout fishing with access is limited to fishing accesses. Here the river is narrow with brush-lined banks. Fishing this stretch is best by boat if water levels are appropriate. From the Ruby Dam to the Jefferson River, fish the banks with a hopper or attractor to coax browns out from under the overhanging brush banks.

Hatches

Summer is a wonderful time to fish the Ruby. Try Pale Morning Duns, Caddis, and Little Golden Stones. The Ruby is known for Hopper fishing is the lower stretches which are bordered by windy meadows. For more on the Ruby River hatches, see our hatch chart.