Clark Canyon Reservoir
Fed by the Red Rock River, Clark Canyon Reservoir is the main water supply for the Beaverhead River. Each year as the reservoir is drawn down for irrigation demands, the resident trout move into feeding channels in and around the old riverbed. While some may view “fishing the lake” as a close second to watching paint dry, sometimes you just have to trust your guide. The resident fish, mostly rainbows, average 18” and many of them will top the 24” mark. These are fish that will show you your backing knot, and teach any angler how to properly fight a trout.
Our main techniques are indicator fishing chironomids and slow stripping callibaetis nymphs. A good day will produce several fish for each angler and a great day will keep your rod bent most of the morning.
Fishing “The Lake” for a morning makes a great way to start a day, typically finished with a short Beaverhead float – or Lunch at the Taco Bus in Dillon.
“Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it” has never been more applicable!
Ennis Lake
Just North of the town of Ennis, the Madison River flows into Ennis Lake, a shallow body of water that is lined with weedbeds, river channels and some of the wariest trout around. If you’ve heard about stillwater fishing in Montana, you’ve no doubt heard the term “gulpers.” Once only thought to be on Hebgen Lake, the term refers to trout that cruise the shallows and weedbeds feeding VERY selectively on callibaetis duns and spinners. On the hot August days when you know the rivers are going to be tough, Ennis Lake will seem like a godsend. If the summer winds stay below nuclear, you can expect constant action on rising fish for the better part of the day.
The hatches of callibaeits and tricos will amaze you. They are often so thick on the water and in the air you wonder how you can get a trout to eat your offering. That’s where the term “gulper” comes in. These fish will cruise on a line, eating every other bug in their path. You just simply need to drop yours in their way. Simple right?
