The Ruby is a very fun early autumn option. Visiting anglers really drop off in numbers and the river doesn’t see much pressure. Browns start to become less moody and the catch rates become a bit more predictable. Cloudy days can produce some dry fly action over early baetis mayflies and small streamers can start to do some damage.
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. PMDs are a daily occurance but fishing is still mostly subsurace. Nymphing a worm and a PMD emergeer is very effective. Don't be afraid to swing or strip smaller streamers as well, especially on cloudy days.
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 quality of the fishing on the Ruby is September is a lot about cloud cover...and with the on-again and off-again cloud cover of the fall months, a with a banner day can be followed by a really tough one. Water temps and flows should be stable and fish friendly from here on out and until it is just too cold to fish.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Ruby is a good option during the fall months and often sees very little anglers especially once hunting season starts and many local anglers are out chasing four legged animals.