Ruby River
The Ruby River is a Montana, small-water fly fishing gem. Its origins are high in the Snowcrest and Gravelly mountains south of Alder, Montana. The Ruby flows over 100 miles to its confluence with the Beaverhead River near Twin Bridges, Montana.
Its narrow width and meandering character are ideal for the DIY wading angler. Limited public access throughout most of the river results in considerable crowding near the few developed public access sites. The adventurous angler fishing the Ruby River is well-advised to focus on the stretches between access sites rather than near them.
The Ruby is one of the most diverse blue-ribbon trout waters in Southwest Montana. It is an ideal day trip destination for anglers looking to fish a small river while fly fishing in Montana.
Ruby River Sections
The Upper Ruby River
The upper Ruby River meanders through forests and mixed agricultural land for approximately 40 miles between its headwater origins and the Ruby Reservoir.
Public access is abundant in the upper reaches, flowing through the Beverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. This is mountain stream fly fishing at its finest, with most trout less than 10" in size.
Access is more challenging as the river flows through private lands in the meadow section upstream of the reservoir. Rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout thrive here in the deep pools and undercut banks with larger fish than found upstream.
Ruby Dam to Alder, MT.
The tailwater section downstream of Ruby Dam has healthy rainbow and brown trout populations. The best trout, in terms of average size and overall numbers, are in the stretches upstream of Alder, Montana.
The Ruby often runs off-color during the summertime due to irrigation return in the reservoir. Nymphing and streamer fly fishing are typically effective during these conditions.
Two fishing access sites below the dam are open to the public. Landowners are vigilant about enforcing trespassing laws, so always stay below the high water mark.
Lower Ruby River
The lower Ruby winds through large tracts of private lands between Alder and Twin Bridges, where it joins the Jefferson River. Access is limited and closely monitored by overzealous landowners throughout the river's course.
River flow varies throughout the season, with very low flow being the norm during the best months of the year for fly fishing in Montana. Brown trout are most common in the lower stretches, with a few trophy-class fish finding their way to anglers' nets every year.
Fishing Conditions Through the Seasons
Spring
Check streamflows before heading to the Ruby River in the spring and summer, as flows can vary wildly. Avoid fishing the area during times of rapid increase or decrease in streamflow, target periods with consistent streamflow.
Spring insect activity gets the trout actively feeding in the late morning and early afternoon hours. Midges, baetis, and caddis hatches increase in frequency and duration with the warming weather in April and May.
Summer
Caddis and pmd mayfly hatches can be prolific and bring exceptional dry fly fishing periods in June and early July. Nymph fishing is steady throughout the morning hours before the hatches move into high gear.
Late summer often finds the river off-color, but the subsurface fly fishing continues to be productive with both nymphs and streamers. The experienced DIY angler can enjoy hours of excellent fly fishing here during the summertime.
Fall
The tailwater section closes to fishing on October 1. Be sure to check current regulations, as they can change from year to year. The rest of the river remains open throughout the year, but access can be challenging.
The upper Ruby River holds some good numbers of brown trout, which become increasingly active during pre-spawn weeks in September and October. Streamer fly fishing can be productive for a few hours when conditions are ideal.
Winter
The river remains open downstream of Alder throughout the year. Low streamflow makes for easy access by the wading angler. Nymph fishing is most productive in the deeper holes using a variety of caddis, midges, and San Juan worm patterns.
Consult with current regulations before heading out, as they change every few years. Currently, the river is closed to fishing from the Ruby Dam to the Alder Bridge from September 1 to April 1.
Ruby River Fly Box Essentials
Ruby River MT. Fly Fishing Trips
The Ruby River is one of those "hidden" gems best suited to the adventurous or DIY angler fishing in Montana. This small stream is a popular destination, and it's difficult to find quiet sections of the river that are appropriate for a guided experience without interfering with other anglers.
In our 20+ years as a Montana fly fishing outfitter, we occasionally guide adventurous anglers with great mobility and advanced fly fishing skills on wade trips along the Ruby River. These trips are best suited to our guests fishing with our Montana fishing guides on a multi-day itinerary.
Ruby River fishing fly fishing trips are recommended for advanced fly fishing skills. Ruby River fly fishing trip rates for 2024 are $725 per day for 1-2 anglers; reservations can be placed via e-mail or by calling us at 1-406-468-5019.
Montana Fish of the Ruby River
