FishCondishDillon, MT Fishing Report & Live Conditions
Dillon, MT fishing report
The Beaverhead and Big Hole are tailwater and freestone systems that demand different approaches. The Beaverhead below Clark Canyon Dam runs cold and clear year-round, making it a consistent trophy brown and rainbow trout fishery even in summer heat. The Big Hole fishes best in late spring before runoff peaks, then again in late summer and fall when flows drop and big browns move shallow to feed aggressively ahead of spawning season.
On the Beaverhead, fish hold tight to undercut banks and deep channel edges — nymphing with sow bugs, midge larvae, and small scuds gets results when nothing is rising. The Big Hole rewards dry-fly fishing during salmonfly and golden stone hatches in early summer. Watch water temperature closely on the Big Hole; when it climbs above 65 degrees, fish stress quickly and smart anglers shift to early mornings or take a break entirely. Fall dropping flows concentrate fish in pools and seams — streamer fishing then can move the biggest browns of the year.
Dillon, MT river flow
The closest active USGS gauge to Dillon, MT is Beaverhead River at Dillon MT (site 06017000), about 0.9 miles away. It drains roughly 2,892 square miles. Flow is the single best predictor of where fish sit in moving water, so it is worth knowing what normal looks like before you read today's number.
In August, this gauge typically runs about 161 cfs.
| Month | Median flow |
|---|---|
| Jan | 386 cfs |
| Feb | 389 cfs |
| Mar | 240 cfs |
| Apr | 178 cfs |
| May | 132 cfs |
| Jun | 167 cfs |
| Jul | 168 cfs |
| Aug | 161 cfs |
| Sep | 138 cfs |
| Oct | 153 cfs |
| Nov | 436 cfs |
| Dec | 413 cfs |
Median flow from the USGS daily-statistics record. For the live flow, gage height, water temperature, and today's fishing score, open the Dillon, MT dashboard.
What's biting near Dillon, MT
The species most likely to be feeding the Beaverhead and Big Hole rivers: trophy brown and rainbow trout. FishCondish grades every hour of the day for Dillon, MT and gives each species its own bite forecast, so you can see which window is worth fishing before you load the truck.
Dillon, MT fishing FAQ
What fish can you catch at Dillon, MT?
The species bite forecast for Dillon, MT covers what's likely feeding there, including trophy brown and rainbow trout — and updates with the live conditions.
What's the best time of day to fish Dillon, MT?
Dawn and dusk are usually the most productive windows on the Beaverhead and Big Hole rivers, particularly when the barometric pressure is steady or falling. FishCondish grades every hour of the day so you can pick the best one.
When is the best season to fish Dillon, MT?
Spring and fall are typically strongest on the Beaverhead and Big Hole rivers as water temperatures sit in the productive range, with summer fishing best early and late in the day. It varies year to year, so check the live conditions before you head out.
How do I know if it's a good day to fish Dillon, MT?
FishCondish combines wind, water level, water temperature, pressure trend, and moon phase into a single 1–10 fishing score for Dillon, MT, updated in real time — a quick go/no-go read before you make the trip.
Fishing tips for Dillon, MT
New to these waters? Start with these beginner-friendly guides: