The daily fishing options at Ruby Springs are extensive and there’s something for everyone.
Over 10 miles of the Ruby River and its tributaries run through the lodge property, offering world-class private water trout fishing only minutes from the lodge. The lodge also has access to numerous spring-fed ponds within a few minutes' walk from any of its cabins.
Four more of the west’s best wild trout streams are within easy striking distance, including the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Jefferson, and Madison.
Additionally, the lodge has access to some private water leases available for guests.
The Ruby River:
Within minutes of the lodge are over ten miles of private water access to the Ruby River and its numerous tributaries. Upstream from the lodge is the Canyon property, which boasts 2,200 fish per mile, the highest population of trout on the entire river. This section is popular with beginning and intermediate anglers as its high population of trout equate to high catch rates. The “home water” runs right past the guest cabins. This is smaller water and the fishing can be challenging, but very rewarding and perfect for advanced anglers looking to test their skills. On both sections of the river, there are good hatches of pale morning duns and yellow sallies in June and July, caddis and hopper fishing throughout the summer, and Baetis (blue-wing olive) hatches in the fall.
The Big Hole:
The Big Hole River is a fishery that dreams are made of – towering cliffs, quiet meandering meadow stretches, abundant wildlife, and lots of willing and feisty trout. Some of the most exciting and famous dry fly fishing for trout anywhere is found on this river in June, with the emergence of the giant stonefly known as the “Salmonfly”, (Pteronarcys Californica). These monster stoneflies can reach sizes in excess of two inches and are a trout staple in June. Dry fly fishing on the Big Hole continues into the summer with caddis, Tricos, and hoppers luring fish to the surface every day. If you prefer fishing streamers or nymphs, the spring and fall can produce excellent fishing as well.
The Beaverhead:
The Beaverhead is one of the most prolific rivers in Montana and perhaps the Rockies. The average trout on the Beaverhead will run 16 inches, and with 3,800 fish per mile the fishing can be very productive. It is estimated there is a trout of 4 pounds or better for every twenty feet of river bank. The Beaverhead is considered the best trophy trout river in the region and is definitely a favorite fishery of ours. The river is surprisingly small, but deep, with fast water currents, and lots of big fish. Small nymphs work well on this river for big trout. The months of June and July provide good quality dry fly fishing with caddis and pale morning duns. In August the famous crane flies come off and the trout key in on them. Fall is blue-wing olive time, and the streamer fishing can be excellent, depending on water levels and conditions.
The Madison:
The Madison is the most consistently productive river in all Montana. On the Madison, you can expect excellent hatches of salmonflies, caddis, and mayflies. Dry flies, soft hackles, streamers – Madison River trout are usually happy to eat just about anything. It’s a gorgeous river, offering rainbows, browns, the occasional brook or cutthroat trout, and even the rare grayling. Being only an hour from the lodge, and one of the most beautiful and scenic drives in the Madison River Valley, it’s one of the lodge’s most popular fisheries.
The Jefferson:
This is a sleeper river in Montana and usually only fishes well early and late in the season, when water levels are optimal. During the spring and fall, this river can produce some brilliant fishing, not to mention solitude, a beautiful backdrop and lots of wildlife sightings. The streamer action can be excellent - as well as the dry fly fishing - at certain times of year. The Jefferson does not get a lot of press, but for those that have unlocked its secrets it can be a wonderful fishery. Though rarely a numbers game, the size of some of the brown trout that lurk beneath its surface are impressive. The lodge usually floats the Jefferson and we highly recommend that you ask the manager about the possibilities of fishing this gem of a trout river.
Private Waters:
If your idea of a perfect day on the water involves exclusivity and an isolated experience, the lodge can make arrangements to fish a variety of nearby private waters such as Clear Creek (or other small streams), with advance notice. There are also two spring-fed ponds on the lodge property available to guests for casting practice or instruction.
Full Fishing Days:
Each day, pairs of fishermen (unless fishing as a single) will have the opportunity to experience a new and different fishery, or return to their favorite spot. Anglers will be targeting browns, rainbows, cutthroats and cut-bows. The selection of fisheries is extensive at Ruby Springs, and your guide and lodge manager, David Frederick, will sit down with you during cocktail hour and help figure out your next day’s fishing plan. As an added bonus, guests can opt for a wade day on the Ruby, with a midday stop at the lodge for lunch, then continue fishing until the end of your fishing day.
Whether you are staying on the ranch to fish private water or travelling off property to one of the nearby public fisheries, you will always be with a guide who will make sure your day on the water is enjoyable, productive and safe. The in-house guides at Ruby Springs Lodge are seasoned professionals, with years of experience on their waters. They are polite, patient, safety-conscious and you can count on them to give you a full day of enjoyable fishing. The guides are all excellent coaches and instructors, never heavy-handed, and know and understand how to deliver just the right amount of guiding and advice.
A Typical Day at Ruby Springs Lodge:
7:00 - 8:00 a.m.: Morning breakfast beverage delivery to your door, breakfast to follow at the lodge
8:30 a.m.: Depart for fishing
12:30 p.m.: Riverside lunch break
5:30 p.m.: Return to lodge
6:30 PM: Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres followed by dinner
