Southwest Montana, Montana
Beaverhead River Fishing Report: May 16, 2026
The Beaverhead at Barretts is stable near 556 cfs, but current local narrative detail is limited and wind/cold weather are the main constraints.
- Status
- fair
- Flow trend
- stable
- Best window
- Midday when wind allows
- Best methods
- nymphs, streamers
Quick Summary
The Beaverhead looks more stable than nearby freestones, with USGS showing 556 cfs at Barretts and only a slight rise over the last day. Current local narrative detail is thin, so treat this as an official-data report and verify access rules before choosing a reach. Wind and cold weather are bigger problems than flow.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Fair |
| Flow | 556 cfs at Barretts at 3:15 PM MDT |
| Water Temp | Not reported by USGS IV |
| Clarity | Not reported; tailwater clarity usually holds better than freestones during runoff |
| Trend | Stable |
| Best Window | Midday when wind allows |
| Best Method | nymphs; streamers |
| Wadeability | Generally wadeable where access is open; verify seasonal closures |
Weather
The Dillon area had west wind near 20 mph with gusts around 31 mph and a slight chance of showers or thunder. Tonight turns cold with rain and snow chances, then Sunday stays chilly with a chance of light snow or rain.
River Notes
As a reservoir-influenced river, the Beaverhead can be a better clarity option during regional runoff, but public access, seasonal closures, and bridge-to-bridge rules matter. Use current regulations before fishing any upper reach. At the current flow, nymphing defined seams and deeper buckets is the practical approach.
Hatch Activity
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18-22 | Useful when fish are selective |
| Baetis | 18-22 | Possible under clouds |
| Caddis | 14-18 | Carry if warmer windows develop |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nymph | Shop Vac | 16 | Good small tailwater nymph |
| Nymph | Zebra Midge | 16-20 | Useful in slower buckets |
| Nymph | Olive Perdigon | 16-18 | Efficient searching fly |
| Nymph | Pheasant Tail | 16-18 | Mayfly nymph option |
| Streamer | Woolly Bugger | 6-10 | Use when wind or color makes nymphing difficult |
Tactics
Use small nymph rigs in defined seams and buckets. Keep leaders practical in the wind and avoid overcommitting to dries unless fish are visibly up. Confirm closures and access before choosing the reach.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaverhead River at Barretts MT | 556 cfs | Not reported | USGS 06016000 |
Sources
Official sources checked: USGS station 06016000 and the National Weather Service forecast for the Dillon and Barretts, MT area. This report is an original Custom FlyBox summary based on current official gauge and weather data, with local public conditions reports reviewed separately for hatch, access, and method context.