The Ruby River could very well come into play this weekend for those willing to give it a try. With the daytime high temps well into the 40s, much of the shelf ice on the Ruby will probably bust off, which will make it viable to walk-and-wade again. If you are willing to give it a go, it could be well worth it. Just make sure you fish the sections of the river that are open to angling---see below but it is a good idea to always check the regulations before heading out.
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.
Read some of our recent blog posts featuring: 5 Tips for Winter Fly Fishing, Winter Fly Fishing Tips that Go Beyond Just Dressing Warm, 5 Tips to Improve Your Fly Fishing with Streamers or Winter Fly Fishing Options Near Bozeman. 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): Now closed. Open only April 1 through Sept. 30
From Alder Bridge (Ruby Island FAS) to the mouth: Open all year
The Month Ahead:
The Ruby is a good option all winter. The report above will hold out for the next few months.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Ruby will produce all winter. Later winter really gets interesting as strong midge hatches bring trout to the surface. Baetis also show up in April to add to the smorgashborg.