Clark Canyon Reservoir

Photo Use Guidelines

Clark Canyon Reservoir offers some of the finest lake fishing for rainbow trout to be found anywhere in the state. Each year the reservoir is heavily stocked with fast growing strains of rainbow trout. Due to the warm water and fertility of the reservoir (the reservoir has hatches), these trout become large and feed aggressively.

Clark Canyon Reservoir, located south of Dillon, is the headwaters of the Beaverhead River and the terminus of the Red Rock River. Access to the reservoir is excellent, as it lies just off Interstate 15. A number of dirt roads ring most parts of the reservoir, allowing for easy access to all parts of this 5000 acre lake.

Use of Clark Canyon Reservoir is quite high. It receives heavy use from personal watercraft, water-skiers and pleasure boaters. It also receives fairly heavy use from fisherman due to the high quality of the fishing.

Large streamers work well for the larger trout in the reservoir, while smaller flies fished on top will catch the smaller fish when they are actively feeding.

The large size of the reservoir, combined with frequent high winds and lots of motorboats, do not present ideal conditions for using a float tube. As a result, any anglers planning on venturing away from the Beaverhead River to try their luck on the reservoir should either use an inflatable kayak or traditional canoe when winds are light or a motorboat during windier conditions. Additionally, by the end of the summer, especially during a dry year, the reservoir can be extremely low as it is heavily drawn down for irrigation use.

Top of Page