Other Waters
Smaller freestones, secret creeks, private lakes
Length
Confluence of Beaverhead, Ruby, and Big Hole Rivers to Headwaters State Park
Seasons
Year-Round
Favorite Stretch
Kountz Bridge to Cardwell
The Jefferson River
The Jefferson is the river that every Montana angler wishes were a better fishery. Formed by three of the state's best rivers, the "Jeff" never quite lives up to is potential. There are some very real reasons for this, mainly irrigation draw downs in the late summer that limit insect growth and trout habitat. Despite the deck already being stacked against the Jeff, anglers will find some brown trout in the lower reaches and some rainbows around Silver Star. The river is not known for any major hatches nor known as a great fishery for that matter. However anglers will to swap solitude for fishing action will find that on the Jeff. The scenery is beautiful as the Tobacco Root mountains are to the south and the river cuts through a tight canyon near Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. Anglers fishing the Jefferson will certainly see deer, eagles, and other critters and for even more adventurous anglers wild asparagus grows in certain bankside areas of the Jefferson.
Length
A few miles on private property near Belgrade
Seasons
Late-May through November
Favorite Stretch
Water on the Milesnick Ranch
Prime Hatches
Pale Morning Duns in June
Ben Hart and Thompson Spring Creeks
Three miles of Ben Hart spring creek and one mile of Thompson spring creek run through the Milesnick Ranch. Tom and Mary Kay own the ranch and book the rods on these very challenging spring creeks. These creeks are only accessible by paying a rod fee and angler must check-in with them before fishing. They also have access to nearly five miles of the East Gallatin River. They are third generation Montanans are generous hosts. The creeks are similar in appearance and fishing: Meandering meadow streams with deep holes at each bend. There are several 20-plus inch fish in both creeks, but they are not easy to hook. For discerning anglers wanting a serious challenging, either of these two creeks are sure to fulfill your desires.
Baden Ponds
A small network of spring fed ponds near Big Sky allowing prime sight-fishing to cruising trout.
Burn's Lake
A large lake near Big Timber. Ideal for early season fishing. Big fish. Cruisers, deep nymping, and streamer fishing
Story's Lake
Beautiful high mountain lake in Paradise Valley. Perfect for small dry fly fishing to rising trout.
Sitz Ranch
Several lakes and ponds offering variety of stillwater options.