Montana
Beaverhead River at Barretts
Location Snapshot
Beaverhead River at Barretts is a southwest Montana trout reach flowing through the Beaverhead Valley below Clark Canyon Reservoir and toward Dillon. Brown and rainbow trout dominate the fishery, with a relatively compact channel and productive riffle-and-run habitat giving the river a focused tailwater-influenced character.
Current River Rating
Fair · 56
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Low confidence
Should I Go?
Wait
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Fair.
Why
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Timing Evidence
Dawn low light is favorable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 90.7 CFS
- Gage Height
- 0.59 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 21, 2026, 12:15 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 06016000 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
61°F
Feels like
57°F
Wind
2 mph SE
Wind gust
6 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 2:00 PM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 8 PM
Overcast
Temp 53°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Wed 12 AM
Clear
Temp 49°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Wed 4 AM
Clear
Temp 45°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Wed 8 AM
Overcast
Temp 43°F
Chance 3%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Wed 12 PM
Overcast
Temp 58°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Wed 4 PM
Mostly clear
Temp 67°F
Chance 5%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 14 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Overcast
High 64°F / Low 39°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 15 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 67°F / Low 43°F
Chance 6%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 22 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Drizzle
High 68°F / Low 44°F
Chance 29%
Precip 0.01 in
Max gust 20 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Showers
High 54°F / Low 38°F
Chance 96%
Precip 1.25 in
Max gust 19 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
Wild brown and rainbow trout are in the Beaverhead River at Barretts.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Beaverhead River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Unknown
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Mixed flow regime
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
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Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Beaverhead, Montana
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Beaverhead
Management Category
Wild trout tailwater
Regulation Scope
Beaverhead River at Barretts / Clark Canyon tailwater.
Regulation Summary
Beaverhead at Barretts: FWP Central District regulations unless an Exception applies. Confirm current closures.
Target Species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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