The Ruby River could fish very well for those willing to give it a try....but remember access is tough. The flows are good for the adventuresome walking and wading angler. The Ruby is a nice option in the spring. The smaller valley doesn’t produce as strong of winds as the Madison and the dam protects the waters a bit early run off. Nymphing is always very productive with small worms, egg patterns, baetis nymphs and sometimes dead drifted streamers. Streamer fishing early can sometimes also be productive with smaller black patterns. Often the surface action can be very worth while with a late morning midge hatch followed by Blue Winged Olives.
The Ruby is a unique option as it is kind of like a tailwater and kind of like a freestone. The water below the reservoir stays open all year and can produce some decent dry fly fishing over midge hatches on a mild day. Nymphing or slow stripping dark streamers can also produce. The smaller valley doesn’t produce as strong of winds as the Madison and the dam protects the waters a bit from ice shelves. Nymphing can be pretty good most days and you will often be surprised to find some rising trout over midge hatches.
Our tailwater fisheries of the Upper Madison and Missouri Rivers are good bets right now while a freestone river like the Yellowstone River may soon have shelf ice and where you can fish safely will be limited to certain sections.
Upstream from Ruby Reservoir: Open
Downstream from Ruby Dam: Angling is closed the entire year just below Ruby Dam, from its confluence with Ruby Dam outlet channel upstream to the dam, including the outlet channel.
From Ruby Dam to Alder Bridge (Ruby Island FAS): Open through Sept. 30
From Alder Bridge (Ruby Island FAS) to the mouth: Open all year
The Month Ahead:
The Ruby is dam controlled so it typically stays clear enough to fish throughout runoff. Keep an eye on the flows, however, because as the river approaches 400cfs it becomes very difficult to wade.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Ruby is a good option all summer long. Once we get into the heart of the summer the river sees more traffic on the public sections and fishing can be less consistent but you can still have some banner days.