Fish It

Tying on a size 20 adams dry fly is not fun for anyone. Luckily Those “big-eyed” dries that have been patiently waiting in your fly box; will be put to use here in the Ruby Valley. The upper Ruby River is home to a variety of top-water oriented fish that have a hard time passing up a chubby chernobyl ant for a meal. For the bigger dry flies, we recommend using a 5 wt and even a 6 wt rod. This allows for easy fly turn-overs in windy conditions, and also better accuracy with the cast.

Terrestrial fishing at its finest! An article in an American Angler magazine, that’s read in the dentist’s office waiting room does not do this style of fishing justice. Explosive and visual takes are what give terrestrial fishing its reputation. The fish that dwell in the Ruby Valley are very familiar with the “hopper hatch” that starts in mid-July and runs to about mid-September. The smaller tributaries are slightly more successful with hopper flies than the big brother, Ruby River.

The popularity of this nymphing tactic is quickly becoming a favorite amongst sub-surface anglers. The terms “Euro nymphing”, “czech nymphing” and “spanish nymphing” can all be categorized as Tight Line Nymphing. Numerous sections on the Ruby River offer the perfect water type for this type of nymphing. Our guides here at UCO are set up with the equipment needed to perform this style of fishing and eager to teach any angler the terms, tactics, and technique.

One of the oldest tandem rigs tied on the end of a leader. To this day, dry/dropper fishing stays under the radar as one of the most effective ways to catch a trout. The watersheds in the Ruby Valley see hatches like Caddis, Pale Morning Duns, Blue Winged Olives, Tricos, etc… Fishing two different stages of a bug’s life cycle is truly killing two birds with one stone or two trout with one rig. Trust us, it has been done.

At Upper Canyon Outfitters we are very familiar with both hunting and fishing. Small stream tactics are collaging the two sports into one. From crouched down casting to lion-like stalks, this fishing is high risk-high reward. The valley’s tributaries hold many cooperative fish looking for their next meal. The only catch is; they cannot know you’re there. For this type of fishing, earthy colored apparel is needed.

How high is our High Mountain Lake Fishing? Slightly over 9,000 ft above sea level high. The lakes we fish are sprinkled in between old mining towns located in the tobacco root mountain range. If you like adventures incorporated into your fishing day, this is the experience for you. With the lakes tough to access some require a UTV vehicle to get up to them. We recommend that you adjust to the altitude change before fishing the lakes. All lake fishing can be done from shore or floating in a small raft. The lakes are at most a two hour ride from the lodge.

Shuttle services are not offered. We highly recommend renting a vehicle. Having your own car gives you the freedom to enjoy evening activities and wildlife viewing on your own.

Cancellations can be made up to 90 days prior to your arrival date. If your cancellation is made within the 90 days prior, you will be fully refunded your deposit. If you cancel less than 90 days before your arrival, your deposit may be applied to the season following your cancellation. If you arrive late or leave early during your stay, you will still be charged the full price.

We highly recommend trip insurance for “unexpected” cancellations.

COVID Adjustments

Our cancellation policy has been revised for the 2020 summer season due to the coronavirus pandemic. You have 90 days prior to your scheduled trip to move your deposit to a future date with no additional charge.

Fishing licenses are not included in the pricing. Please visit Montana FWP’s website here to get started.

Deposit: A deposit of 30% is required for all reservations, the remaining balance, taxes and gratuity is due upon departure from Upper Canyon Outfitters. We prefer check, cash or debit, but also accept visa or masterCard. A 2.75% convenience fee will be added if paying by credit card.
In the occurrence of any unforeseen shutdown of Upper Canyon Outfitters, such as a forest fire, all money received will be transferred to the following year.

All clients will be required to follow the ranch/stable and guides’ safety policies and procedures and all clients will be required to sign a Participant Assumption of Risks, Acknowledgment of Inherent Risks and Indemnity Agreement in favor of Upper Canyon Outfitters, Inc. upon arrival. UCO is the home to many pets and livestock, for this reason, we do not allow any outside pets at the ranch.