Fly Fishing
the Teton River
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Teton River : Origin to Choteau
The Teton River itself does not flow through the mountains, as it is formed
a short stone throw away from the eastern most mountains that form the
Rocky Mountain Front. The Teton River in this section has extensive gravel
beds. Except for right along the river itself, the countryside is devoid
of trees, as it flows though the wide-open Montana prairie. Due to its
location right along the Rocky Mountains, high winds are exceptionally
common, which can create difficult casting conditions for fly fishing.
The fishing on this section of the Teton River is generally poor. While
the river has a wide variety of fish species in this section, including
rainbows, cutthroats, browns and whitefish, its grayish-gravel streambed,
low nutrient water and irrigation demands, all combine to create a relatively
poor fishery. Some decent fish, particularly brown trout, can be taken
in the rivers few deep holes and around obstructions, particularly the
beaver ponds, using streamers.
Floating this stretch of
the Teton River is excellent. The river has a moderate current, and
the scenery is outstanding as the Rocky Mountain Front fills up the
western skyline. Several diversion dams exist, all of which need to
be portaged. For a floater wanting to avoid the diversion dams, the
best put-in spot is below the Eureka Reservoir Campground, which is
located eleven miles upstream from the town of Choteau. Access to this stretch of the Teton River is fair. While the river
primarily flows through private lands, a number of road crossings allows
for adequate access.
Teton River : Choteau to Marias River
Below Choteau, the Teton River has a mix of moderate and slow current.
The river also twists and turns extensively through this stretch. The
Teton River in this stretch generally is generally muddy, due to its
muddy and sandy bottom. Except for along the river, the countryside
is basically devoid of trees, flowing through the rolling hills of
ranch and farmlands. As the Teton River frequently flows through a
shallow canyon that is readiy visible from many miles away, views of
the ranch and farmlands are somewhat infrequent.
The Teton River changes from a cold-water stream to a warm water fishery
between Choteau and the Marias River.
The upper twenty miles of the
Teton River near Choteau has some fair fishing for brown trout, using
streamers right along the banks. Hoppers also can be used successfully,
floating them either along the banks or right down the middle of the
river. As the river travels further east from Choteau, though, the
water warms significantly, with pike, catfish and other bottom fish
becoming the predominate fish species.
The countryside becomes very remote and isolated as the Teton River
nears the Marias River. Access points become scarce, and the few county
road bridge access sites are difficult to find as the roads are frequently
unmarked or unnamed. For a floater wanting a float full of solitude,
the lower half of the Teton River is an excellent choice.
Teton River : River Miles Origin at North and South
Forks Teton River: 195
Bridge Access: 190
Eureka Reservoir Campground: 178
Bridge Access: 173
Bridge Access: 170
Highway 287 Bridge Access: 167
Highway 89 Bridge Access: 165
Highway 221 Bridge Access: 157
New Rockport Colony Bridge Access: 150
County Road Bridge Access: 140
Collins Road Bridge Access: 128
Interstate 15 Bridge: 118
Kerr Road Bridge Access: 100
County Road Bridge Access: 86
Dent Road Bridge Access: 65
County Road Bridge Access: 42
Highway 223 Bridge Access: 18
Marias River Access: 0
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