October on the Ruby is the fly-fishing equivalent of sneaking into a party after the cool crowd has left — the out-of-towners have thinned out, the water’s wide open, and the browns have finally stopped sulking about it. Cloudy skies serve up early baetis on top if you’re paying attention, and a small streamer stripped with intent will absolutely get you bit. Wade it deep into October, lean harder on streamers as the leaves come down, and bank a few respectable mid-sized browns for your trouble. Once winter settles in, the rules change: it’s a nymph game with midges on top late in the season, and it’s only worth the drive if the wind gives you a break — but if you happen to be nearby, throwing a rod in the truck costs you nothing. Mind the rulebook, too: above Ruby Reservoir you’re clear, the Sweetwater-to-reservoir stretch runs the third Saturday in May through November 30, the water right below Ruby Dam is shut down year-round (outlet channel included), Ruby Dam to Alder Bridge closed September 30, and Alder Bridge down to the mouth is fair game all year.
This is summarized from the original Ruby River fishing report published by Montana Angler Fly Fishing — Montana Angler Fly Fishing Inc., 435 East Main Street, Bozeman, MT 59715 · Phone: (406) 522-9854 · info@montanaangler.com · montanaangler.com
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