We haven't had any first-hand reports from the Ruby River in a few weeks, so you gotta go to know!. If you do choose to fish the Ruby, expect some decent nymphing and maybe a few fish rising to midges. Wind is rarely an issue on the Ruby River.
The water below the reservoirs 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. Be sure to check the regulations below when heading to the Ruby River to fish, as some sections are closed to fishing this time of year. The Ruby is a unique option as it is kind of like a tailwater and kind of like a freestone - so come prepared to fish small flies, including tiny mayflies and even midges, as well as large streamers and nymphs.
Upstream from Ruby Reservoir: Open
Confluence with Sweetwater Creek to Ruby Reservoir: Open 3rd Saturday in May through November 30
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 April 1 through Sept. 30
From Alder Bridge (Ruby Island FAS) to the mouth: Open all year
The Month Ahead:
The Ruby River is a good option throughout the spring.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Ruby will produce through spring. Later winter really gets interesting as strong midge hatches bring trout to the surface. Baetis can show up in March with the occasional March Brown.
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