The Beaverhead:

The Beaverhead river, located in Southwestern Montana, is well known for its abundance of large trout. Brown trout average nearly 18 inches while the rainbows also weigh in at an impressive size. Twenty plus inch fish are not uncommon for the Beaverhead. It is a narrow brushy tailwater fishery not to be overlooked because of its small size. The water stays cool all season long in its upper reaches with the help of Clark Canyon Reservoir and its Tailwater dam. The trout are enormous, beautiful, and "reel-screaming" strong.

More info at Fly Fishing Connection.

The Big Hole:

The Big Hole River, located in Southwestern Montana, is well known for its trophy size brown and rainbow trout. There is also a good population of cutthroat trout, brook trout, and grayling as well. The diversity of this river provides excellent angling for people of all skill levels bringing them to the Big Hole from across the country year after year to fish this spectacular piece of water.

More info at Fly Fishing Connection.

The Jefferson:

Formed from the junction of the Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers, the Jefferson River is one that many people overlook as its reputation is not that of the many other Southwest Montana rivers. Fortunately for the anglers that fish its waters, it is generally not crowded and can offer quality fishing for mostly brown and some rainbow trout. Slow long pools interrupted by beautiful riffles characterize the river.

More info at Fly Fishing Connection.

The Ruby:

The Ruby River has very difficult access in comparison to other local rivers. However, for those willing to tackle the difficulty of accessing it, the Ruby River provides very good fly fishing with lots of solitude for those who are floating or for the wade angler willing to venture away from the few public access sites.

More info at Fly Fishing Connection.

The Madison:

The famous Madison River, located in Southwestern Montana, is known as the "fifty mile riffle". It seems as if the water between Quake Lake and Ennis lake never changes. You will not find any slow pools, boulders, fallen trees, or tumbling runs. The river flows at a steady pace (approximately 5 m.p.h.) making it easier for beginners to be successful. The river is very accessible, easy to wade, and easily drifted just the same. It also has an excellent diverse population of large trout; rainbows, browns, and a few cutthroat and cutt-bows as well.

More info at Fly Fishing Connection.