Our Other Fishing Rivers
The Big Hole is our home, but if one must wander…
We are more than happy to wander with you and guide you on any of the rivers below. When you are in our corner of this incredible state, your choices are many.
The Beaverhead is one of the best kept secrets in Southwest Montana.
Beaverhead River
The Beaverhead River is one of the finest trophy trout fishing streams in Montana. Less than an hour from the lodge, this willow lined tailwater fishery resembles a large spring creek. It’s a great place to cast small dry flies or a nymph rig into the heavy cover on the banks; or cast a streamer after brown trout on the hunt. 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. Like the Big Hole River, access is limited to outfitters with permits which ensures a quality experience without the crowds.
A day on Rock Creek is like none other - and not offered by many.
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 Missouri River, stretching through most of Montana has many personalities.
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.
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.
Clark Fork and Bitterroot Rivers
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.
And More…
Along with the tremendous streams that surround the lodge, we also have access to private waters that provide a completely different type of experience. If you are interested in this, just ask.
