Spanning just under 5,000 acres, Clark Canyon Reservoir is approximately 20 miles southwest from Dillon and offers 17 miles of shoreline.  Clark Canyon Reservoir is the headwaters of the Beaverhead River and the terminus of the Red Rock River.  Construction was completed in 1964, and, over the past 40 years, the reservoir has continually produced more and larger trout.  April is prime for some great fishing there.

“With strong summer hatches and big, husky trout, this can simply be the best large trout fishing you have ever had.” (via mhct.com)

There is camping available, including an RV-only area.  There are concrete boat ramps and nine campgrounds which offer a total of 96 campsites, including the RV-only area.

Clark Canyon Reservoir is the site of Camp Fortunate, one of the more significant spots along the Lewis and Clark Trail. It was at Camp Fortunate that the Lewis and Clark expedition met the Lemhi Shoshoni Tribe and Sacagawea was reunited with her people. The Lewis and Clark Expedition cached their canoes and a stash of suppliesat this location for the return trip. The Camp Fortunate Interpretive Site presents information about the Lewis and Clark campsite and about their journey. (via recreation.gov)

If you’re looking for some great brown and rainbow trout action, this is a place to go!  Clark Canyon Reservoir is known for its fantastic fishing, therefore it is a popular fishing destination.  In addition to trout, you can also find burbot, carp, brook trout and mountain whitefish there.  To get there, take I-15 south 11 miles from Dillon to the Reservoir.

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. (via bigskyfishing.com)

So, if you haven’t been there, it is worth the drive, as here are some photos of fish that have been caught at the reservoir over the years.

(Feature photo via tau0.wordpress.com)