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The Ruby River could fish very well for those willing to give it a try....but remember access is tough. 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): 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 River should continue to fish well with midges dropping off and baetis becoming more and more prolific. By late May the waters can rise to very high levels making wading difficult with the willow choked banks.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Ruby River is very good just before and after run off. During run off fishing becomes difficult with the wading access. Usually around mid to late June flows drop back to ideal levels and fishing is very good.