Unlike other popular western public water, the rivers with public access that one fishes while at Crane Meadow Lodge are relatively uncrowded.  Almost all well-traveled fishers have stories about sharing a venerable western trout stream with hundreds of other fishers in a quarter-mile stretch.  Because Crane Meadow Lodge is really out of the "tourist loop", our guides consider a crowded stream one upon which they must share a ten mile stretch of water with four other boats.

Many of our guests often speculate about how our rivers fished during the golden age of western fly-fishing, the mid 1900's.  Within the borders of the 8,000 acre ranch adjacent to the lodge and several other properties that we lease for the exclusive use of our guests, we believe that our guests do not have to speculate about how things used to be.

The Beaverhead River is a unique tailwater river flowing from Clark Canyon Reservoir through Twin Bridges.  The upper reaches are within an hour's drive from our lodge.  Year after year the Beaverhead produces the largest stream-dwelling trout caught in the state.  Impressive caddis, mayfly and stonefly hatches occur in July and August and good attractor wet fly fishing takes place from September through October. 

The Big Hole River is a large, free-flowing river originating from a myriad of small creeks on the Continental Divide.  Nearly 130 miles in length, this river offers fantastic fishing and scenery.  Its lower reaches are minutes from the Lodge, while the upper river and trophy management area is only 45 minutes away.  The famous Mothers' Day caddis hatch kicks off in May, followed by the salmon flies in June.  From late April through October the Big Hole provides a real variety of angling challenges...from tiny mayflies to big attractor wets.

The Ruby River is another novel tailwater fishery, appearing much like a smaller, easy-to-wade version of the Beaverhead.  The "home" water on the ranch offers easy access and consistent fishing from late April through October.  Dense hatches of caddis early in the season provide memorable brown trout fishing.  Using grasshopper imitations in the mid-to-late season is considered a fishing highlight by many at our lodge. 

The Upper Ruby River lies above the Ruby Reservoir and takes on the character of a mountain freestone stream.  Fishing for rainbows, cutthroats and hybrids is often fast and furious.  We lease a prime stretch of the water and also fish on the Beaverhead National Forest by special day use permit.

Mill Creek tumbles down from the Tobacco Root Mountains picking up a good deal of spring water on the ranch, which causes it to take on characteristics typical in many spring creeks.  Mayflies, caddis, and terrestrials, particularly grasshopper imitations, provide most of the action on Mill Creek.

Leonard Spring Creek, a true spring creek, is home to a dense population of brown trout.  Although nymphs are effective on Leonard, we prefer the dry imitations of mayflies, caddis and terrestrials. Leonard fishes well from late April through October.

The Jefferson River is formed by the Ruby, Beaverhead and Big Hole Rivers and offers excellent brown trout fishing and solitude.  Nicknamed the "Jeff", this river tenders good mayfly and stonefly activity from late April through June 1^st with streamer fishing coming on in late August and lasting through October.

Proposal Slough is two miles of spring-fed river channel that the Ruby River abandoned in its attempt to find its straightest path.  Technically known as an oxbow, this system boasts incredible habitat for fish, mammals, and birds.  Terrestrial fishing for rainbows and brown in remarkable clear water makes for an exceptional day of fishing. 

Poindexter Slough is a matchless spring creek located 30 minutes from the Lodge.  It boasts luxuriant weed beds which harbor heavy insect populations on which the browns and rainbows selectively feed.  Nice dry and wet fly fishing from April through October.