Rivers and Creeks - "Ruby River"
Ruby River Details
The Ruby River is approximately 97 miles long (add to that 3 miles of reservoir) and averages 40 feet (although some areas are only 10 feet) in width. The upper section of the Ruby flows through the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest between the Gravelly and Snowcrest mountain ranges.
Approximately 15 miles further downstream it takes a westerly direction to run parallel to the Ruby Range and into the Ruby River Reservoir (built in 1939 to store irrigation water).
Below the Reservoir the Ruby wanders past Alder and just west of Virgina and Nevada cities (all three are known Montana historic gold mining towns). The last 45 miles of the Ruby (after the Dam) are located in an
agricultural valley and eventually converges with the Beaverhead River near the town of Twin Bridges.
Note:Map Courtesy of Ranches of the West @2007 All rights reserved.
Ruby River Area History
The Shoshone called this river "Passamari" (meaning "water of the cottonwood groves").
In 1805, when Lewis and Clark passed through, Lewis named it "Philanthropy" (this was considered one of President Jefferson's three cardinal virtues).
It is written that pioneers later renamed it to Stinkingwater River after some buffalo carcasses fouled the water one spring. Today it is called the Ruby for the garnets that lie interspersed in the stream beds gravel.
Ruby River and Area - Current Day
The Ruby River Valley is surrounded by seven mountain ranges making it great for hiking, fishing and relaxing.
Fishing: The Lower Ruby from Silversprings Bridge downstream is known as a major spawning ground for fish from as far away as the Missouri River and the fall fishing is spectacular. Estimates as to the populations range from 400 to 1,300, averaging about 700 fish per mile (in the fall populations can swell to 2000). The Ruby is known for its rainbows, cutthroats and graylings. The lower stretch of the Ruby (below the Dam) is known for their brown trout.
Other Activities: In addition to hiking the area has other activities to consider: Virginia City, the infamous Robbers Roost, in the town of Alder visit the Gem Mine, and in the town of Twin Bridges check out the Winston Rod Flyfishing Museum.
Note: Photo Courtesy of R. Rosenthal, @2007 All rights reserved