High Mountain Lakes and Streams

Here in Dillon, we like to say that we're located in the trout fishing capital of the West.  Within an hour's drive of Dillon, there is a great variety of waters that we like to fish, most notably the Beaverhead, Big Hole, Ruby, and Madison Rivers, as well as Clark Canyon Reservoir, Ennis Lake, and Hebgen Lake for the stillwater enthusiasts among us.  Also, located just 3 miles south of Dillon, Poindexter Slough is a public spring creek that is world famous for its mayfly hatches and big, savvy trout.  To be sure, we have tons of angling opportunities at our fingertips being based out of Dillon.

Surprisingly, the abundance of high mountain lakes and streams in SW Montana can often get overshadowed by the phenomenal fishing found in the more popular waters of the area, but these off-the-beaten track places can provide some of the most memorable fishing experiences of your visit to the Dillon area.  In the smaller streams and lakes located around Dillon, you are able to catch native Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling, or a smorgasbord of all of the species!  Through the heart of the Pioneer Mountains located to the west of Dillon runs the Wise River, which is a major tributary of the Big Hole River.  In the Wise River drainage, there are dozens of small to medium sized creeks loaded with trout, and some of the rare native Westslope Cutthroat Trout historically found east of the continental Divide call this area home.  Along with the Wise River and its tributaries, the Pioneer Moutains are loaded with high elevation lakes.  Some of these lakes are home to some very large trout, usually Cutthroat or Rainbows, while others have a high density of pristine trout that usually average a little smaller in size and are always willing to take a well presented fly.  
 

If you're looking to plan a trip to Montana to do some trout fishing, please don't hesitate to either send us an email or give us a ring at the shop.  With the tremendous variety of angling opportunities found around Dillon, we can guarantee that we can point you in the right direction with whatever type of fishing you enjoy most, whether it may be a long float on one of the area's world class rivers or a solo hike up into the mountains to chase beautiful, wild trout.