Southwest Montana, Montana
Beaverhead River Fishing Report: May 17, 2026
Beaverhead River is in a useful fishing window today.
- Status
- good
- Flow trend
- stable
- Best window
- Late afternoon into evening
- Best methods
- nymphs, dry flies
Quick Summary
Beaverhead River is in a useful fishing window today. USGS showed 575 cfs and 1.80 feet at 7:15 AM, with the flow trend stable. Start subsurface, then watch for late-day mayfly, caddis, or midge activity where the water settles. Wade conservatively and avoid pushy crossings; softer edges and boat or bank access are safer than mid-channel moves.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good |
| Flow | 575 cfs at 7:15 AM |
| Gauge Height | 1.80 feet |
| Water Temp | Not reported |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Stable |
| Best Window | Late afternoon into evening |
| Best Method | nymphs; dry flies |
| Wadeability | Limited |
Weather
For Dillon, MT, the National Weather Service forecast says: Today: A slight chance of snow between noon and 3pm, then a slight chance of snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms between 3pm and 4pm, then a slight chance of thunderstorms and a slight chance of rain and snow showers between 4pm and 5pm, then a slight chance of thunderstorms and a chance of rain and snow showers. Partly sunny. High near 43, with temperatures falling to around 40 in the afternoon. North northwest wind 6 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Plan around wind, changing light, and any showers or storms rather than assuming a full-day dry fly window.
River Notes
The best starting point is water that matches the current gauge: inside seams, protected banks, riffle drop-offs, and slower buckets rather than the heaviest current. A stable trend is worth watching through the day; if the hydrograph turns sharply upward, clarity and wade safety can change before hatch timing does. Missing field values are left as Not reported rather than filled from guesswork.
Hatch Activity
Current hatch guidance is based on seasonal May patterns for this river system, recent public report context where available, and today’s official gauge/weather check.
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18-24 | Tailwater staple |
| Blue Winged Olive | 18-22 | Cloudy or damp windows |
| Sowbugs/scuds | 14-18 | Useful subsurface food source |
| Caddis | 14-18 | Carry as season builds |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nymph | Sowbug | 14-18 | Tailwater nymphing |
| Nymph | Pheasant Tail | 16-20 | Small mayfly dropper |
| Dry | BWO dry | 18-22 | Use on risers |
| Dry | Midge adult | 20-24 | Flat-water fish |
| Streamer | Small Sculpin | 6-10 | Low light |
Tactics
Start with nymphs in defined lanes and adjust weight before changing flies. If fish begin rising, simplify to a single dry or dry with an emerger/dropper and lengthen the leader. In bright or windy periods, return to subsurface presentations along protected banks and broken water.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaverhead River at Barretts MT | 575 cfs | Not reported | USGS 06016000 |
Sources
Official sources checked: USGS station 06016000 and the National Weather Service forecast for the Dillon, 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.