Please check the fishing regulations before fishing.
————————
Jefferson River Fishing info by Fins and Feathers (December 3, 2024)
2/5
This small weather window to finish out this week is probably gonna be the last solid week to get out and fish Montana’s Jefferson River. This warmer weather could get a few fish into the mood to chase some streamers. However if you’re looking for numbers nymphing the deep slow runs and buckets will be the name of the game.
The nymph menu is pretty basic, anglers have been doing well fishing a red San Juan worm to a small perigon style nymph size 14-18 in dark or flashy colors. For streamer selection keep it on the smaller side, Mini Dungeons in black and olive or a rusty trombone are some go to flies. Use a heavy sink tip line and really focus on the slow runs and bends.
Once winter fully takes its hold the Jefferson ices over making it a non option to fish so get out there while we still can!
Hell Creek General Recreation Information (December 4, 2024)
Click here: www.HellCreekRecreation.comCLICK HERE for Hell Creek webcam.
Gallatin River Fishing Report via Fins and Feathers (December 1, 2024)
3/5
The weather is looking great for fishing Montana’s Gallatin river this week, temps will be in the low forties with low wind until next weekend. Nymph fishing is going to be the most productive option, however keep an eye out for some sporadic midge or blue wing olive hatches on the overcast days.
The canyon stretch on the Gallatin close to Big Sky will be a great section for nymph fishing. Try a small stonefly pattern in black or tan size 12-14 to a Perdigon style fly. We like dark colors for our Perdigons (black or olive). Starting with your indicator set 5’ above your first fly is a good starting point. Focus on the deep slow runs and add some split shot a foot above the top fly to make sure you are getting down quickly.
If you run into a small dry fly hatch try a basic midge pattern like a Peacock Cluster size 16-20 or a BWO Sparkle Dun size 14-18. This week will likely be the last good chance for some short dry fly sessions. The Gallatin river will remain a good option through the winter to dial in your nymph fishing skills.
You can get an idea of the water conditions in the Big Sky area by viewing this webcam, hosted by our friends at Montana Whitewater.
Yellowstone River Fishing Report by Bozeman Fly Supply (December 4, 2024)
Fishing on the Yellowstone is finally starting to slow down with the cooler temperatures, and pretty much all the good reports we have been hearing from the Yellowstone river have been from Carters bridge to Livingston. Fishing has been more consistent with nymphs and streamers as of late with stoneflies, worms, eggs, prince nymphs, green machines, hare’s ears, bead baetis, blowtorch’s, and Duracell’s having the spotlight. Dry fly fishing can also be a good option too with midges being key. For dry flies, if you see fish rising we would throw a buzzball or a griffith’s gnat. As far as streamers go, some of the bigger flies have been working better for us with the double gonga, sex dungeon, Drunk and Disorderly, Schultz’y sculpin, Sluggo’s, and swim coach’s being our best flies as of late.
Suggested Fly Patterns
- Dry FlySweetgrass Hopper (8), Henneberry hopper grey (12), Thunder Thighs hopper Yellow/Tan (10), Donkey Kong hopper pink/tan (10-12) Parachute Adams (16-20), Purple Haze (16-18), Buzz Ball (14-16), Corn fed Caddis (14-16), X-Caddis (14-16), Parachute PMD (14-16), Extended Body PMD (14-16), Larimer’s Yellow Sally (12-14), Water Walker (8-12), Chubby Chernobyl (8-16)
- StreamerWoolly Bugger (4-12), Ditch Witch Black/red/purple/ Yellow/white(2), Mini Peanut Envy Black/Yellow/Tan (6) Mini Dungeon Black/purple /Olive/Yellow (6), Montana Intruder (4), Sparkle Minnow JJ’s/Silver/Sculpin (4-8), Double Gonga Black/Rainbow (4), Sculpzilla Black/White/Olive (4-8), Seasoned Geezer Gold/Natural/Olive (6)
- NymphPat’s Rubber Legs (6-12), Zirdle Bug (6-12), Perdigon Blue/Purple/Pearl (14-18), Jig thread Frenchie Brown/yellow (14-18), CDC Pheasant Tail (10-18), Jigster PMD (14-18), Formerly Known Prince Nymph (10-18), BH Hare’s Ear (12-18), Sizzlin’ Hot Squirrel (14-16), Matt’s Shagadelic Mop Tan/Brown/Chartreuse/Cheeto (10)
Flint Creek Fishing Report by Flint Creek Outdoors (November 23, 2024)
With the cold weather parts of Flint Creek are starting to freeze up. Get out there while you still can! Nymphing and streamers are the way to go with the cool temps. No need to get out there early at all.
Please respect all private property and fishing signs. At the corral on the Johnson Tuning Fork spot if the sign is up please find another spot to access.
See below for our tips on fishing Flint Creek near Philipsburg, Montana.
Here are a few tips for fly fishing Flint Creek:
1. Try nymphing in deep pools or under the banks.
2. Fish a single dry on the bank or the bubble lines.
3. Try swinging a streamer or a soft hackle through the ripples.
Here are a few fly suggestions:
1. Kreelex – Gold and Copper size 6
2. TJ Hooker – Brown and Black size 12
3. TJ Hooker – Tan and Brown size 12
4. PMD, size 12-14
5. Jig Frenchie – size 14,16
6. Spanish Bullet – black size 14,16
7. Pheasant Tail Nymph size 16-20
Flows and looking ahead:
Flow: 57 cfs at the time of publishing this report
Here is a link to the Flint Creek USGS Water Information.
Stop by the shop in Philipsburg for the latest report and for everything you need for your trip. We are open Thursday through Monday 7am-4PM and 7am-11am Tuesday and Wednesday. Tight lines!
Beaver Creek Reservoir (South of Havre) Ice Report (December 4, 2024)
There is 4 inches of ice there
Southwest Montana Fishing Overview by Montana Angler (December 4, 2024)
Winter is here on our local rivers near Bozeman and Big Sky. Check out a recent blog post on Winter Fly Fishing Tips That Go Beyond Just Dressing Warm and then go fishing! That doesn’t mean we have hung up the waders and the rods until March. In fact, many of our rivers can fish quite well in winter…just have to pick wisely and fish at the appropriate times. Rivers like the Yellowstone and Madison can fish well in winter, but the comfort factor of staying warm and functionable in cold conditions often dictates how good the fishing can be–if you are comfortable and can fish through the cold and are prepared for it, you should find some success.
Most local Bozeman fly fishing guides, if not all of them, have stored their boats for the winter and are spending time exploring local waters on foot. Winter is a good time to fish a river a little more intimately. Because trout are going to be in deeper and slower pools, fishing more thoroughly in a long slow run will be the best tactic. Fly fishing in winter isn’t meant to be rushed. It is a time to slow down, enjoy the environs, and treat the fish as a bonus. With winter now fully set-in here in Montana nearly all dry fly fishing is over except for the random right-place, right-time midge action. Check out some of our blogs that cover winter fly fishing: Winter Fly Fishing Options Around Bozeman, 5 Tips to Improve Your Fly Fishing with Streamers, and Winter Fly Fishing in Montana: The Only Flies You Will Ever Need.
Overview
Most of our fishing guides have put up the oars for the season but as long as the snow doesn’t fall too deep or the temps get too cold, there is still fishing to be had. Most likely you can have the river to yourselves as mostly only local anglers are left on the water and even then a good portion of them are out chasing 4 legged creatures to fill the freezer. By and large the program will be nymphing as well as some streamer action. If you get the right day some dry fly action can be had.
On a mild winter day you might be lucky enough to run into some rising trout feeding on midges. Even freestone streams like the Gallatin will produce some sporadic midge hatches. If the hatch isn’t too strong dries that imitate single midges are more productive such as a palomino pattern. On tailwaters like the Missouri River the midge hatches in the winter can be thick in the late morning and the insects will cluster together so many of the patterns such as the Griffiths gnat that imitate these “rafts” of insects can out produce single insect patterns.
Hatches
Most, if not all, of the hatches are done for the season. As the water temps gradually get colder and colder, expect the intensity of the hatch to dwindle. Midges are going to be the only hatch of the next several months. On most freestone rivers the trout are going to eat subsurface rather than rise to midges. The exception to this is on the Missouri River near Wolf Creek and Craig where the tailwater fishery can produce some excellent midge hatches on a warm December day.
Fly selection
With the onset of winter the fish will take advantage of the still somewhat warmer water temps and feed heavily at times to get that last bit of bulk on before they go into maintenance mode. So fish your largish attractor nymphs like sculpins, rubber legs, worms, leeches, eggs, crayfish, etc. with confidence. But don’t forget about small mayfly nymph patterns or midge larvae and pupa patterns as well. A Zebra midge is a great option for fly fishing the Upper Madison River in May.
Beadhead Little Green Machines in olive or natural in sizes 16 to 22
Firebead or hot bead SJ wormies in sizes 8-12
Beadhead Perdigons in natural, olive, peacock, black, in sizes 16 to 22
Sawyer Pheasant Tails in sizes 16 to 22
Home Invaders in darker/contrasting colors in size 2 – 10
Sculpzillas in black, olive, or brown in size 2- 10
Sparkle Minnows in a variety if colors in size 2 – 10
Your favorite go-to streamer pattern
Reading water
Streamflows can vary by river in winter in the Bozeman and Big Sky areas. Check your water temps via the river reports page as temps can vary from location to location by quite a lot depending on where the water is coming from, ie. the high country, a dam, low elevation spring creek, etc. This can help you determine the most likely place the fish will be holding. A good general rule in winter is that most fish will be holding deeper and slower runs and holes compared to fall or summer. Where the fish are holding, and feeding, is the most important aspect of fishing during the winter months.
Missouri River Fly Fishing Report by Yellowdog Fly Fishing (December 4, 2024)
Flow Data: Missouri River below Holter Dam near Wolf Creek, MT
A little bit of a “heat wave” in Craig this week. Moderate wind too. Just crazy. Nymphing will still be hot, but it will be tough to keep the ice out of your guides. Dry fly action has dropped off. Some fish may rise to midges if you are lucky. If you find fish rising and present them with a Parachute Adams, or midge cluster, or Griffith’s Gnat. Tailwater Sowbug is tough to beat now. A scud will work too. Midges will also probably work. Worms will work all winter. Swinging soft hackles has given way to bugger, small streamers and leeches. Doesn’t hurt to try a streamer. Smaller will be better. Buggers. Sparkle Minnow, Kreelex, or Skiddish Smolts are also excellent choices.
Chancy and Dave’s Fish Camp Fishing Report (November 18, 2024)
Koocanusa- Rainbows hitting well, try large flies or plugs behind planer boards. Rexford to long bridge.
Flathead Lake- Good numbers of Lake Trout being caught. Troll large spoons or plugs in 29-40’ of water. Also try casting spoons or swimbaits along rocky shorelines. Areas to try, Woods Bay, West Shore, Shelter Island, Bird or Finley Points.
Ashley Lake- Troll shore lines with small Rapala’s or flickershads for trout.
McGregor Lake- Jugging 30-60’ for lake trout with small tubes or gulp minnows. Troll shorelines for rainbows.
Echo Lake- Still catching bass deep 20-35’ with swimbaits or drop shots.
Flathead River- Excellent whitefish action still going, Columbia Falls to Old Steel Bridge, also good cutts and a few rainbows.
Flathead Fishing Report by the Macman at Zimmer Tackle (October 10, 2024)
–No new report–Fishermen:
Mack days is until NOv. 3rd
Lake trout being caught in Blacks Point, Rocky Point
60 to 180 feet.
Perch good in Elmo
Bird staging to spawn (Lake Trout) in one week good fishing.
Small mouth in Flathead River below the bridge in 25 feet of water
with a Rattle D Zastor with a twister tail
Good Fishing
The macman
Flathead Valley Fishing Report by Snappy’s Sport Senter (November 30, 2024)
- Flathead Lake – Finding some steady lake trout off Westshore State Park. Mostly trolling and jigging around 60′-80′ down.
- Flathead River – The whitefish bite is still going strong at Columbia Falls bridge and Old Steel Bridge.
- Swan Lake – Decent Laker bite jigging 40′-60′ down with tubes and cut bait.
- McWenneger Slough – Seeing Ice trying to form. Not Safe!
- Smith Lake – Ice trying to form, Not Safe!
- Rogers Lake – Ice forming, Not Safe!
- Dog Lake – Ice forming, Not Safe!
- Ice Is Forming, BUT No Safe Ice to Report Yet
Bozeman Fishing Reports (December 3, 2024)
Winter is coming in hot to the Bozeman Montana area! Fingers crossed for a long snowy winter to make for a great 2025 season! That being said there will be some winter fishing opportunities on Montana’s Rivers in the Bozeman area.
The name of the game in the winter will be nymph fishing for the most part. Sticking with a fairly basic winter fly menu. San juan worms and rubber legs will be staple top fly patterns, we are dropping small dark perdigon style droppers of those tops flies. The canyon section on the Gallatin River will be a good nymphing option for the winter.
It’s possible we will see some sporadic dry fly hatches in the next month as well as the later half of the winter. Wait for the warmer overcast days before you dig your dry fly box out. The Lower Madison can be a good section for dry flies.
Kootenai River Fishing Report by Linehan Outfitting (November 5, 2024)
–No new report–
This Kootenai River Montana fishing report is being brought to you by Orvis Endorsed Linehan Outfitting. This report will be updated weekly to provide current conditions, weather, hatches, patterns, and flows to our local waters and across the state.
Flows from Libby Dam: 4000cfs
Water temperature at Libby Dam: 42 degrees
Hatches: midge, baetis
patterns: zebra midge, parachute Adams, parachute pmd, Rosenbauer’s olive rabbit foot emerger, purple haze, purple chubby, red chubby, olive sparkle dun,bh prince, soft SJ worm, bh pheasant tail, bh rubber legged stonefly, big streamers in white, pink and olive, circus peanut, black conehead buggers
It’s not quite spring up here in Kootenai River country but we have good news. Flows from Libby Dam have been reduced and will be stable at 4000cfs through the end of March for now. That means there’s some great early season fishing available right now.
Expect more clammy cloudy weather through the weekend and into next week. March continues to come in like a lion and we’ve yet to see the lamb. Rain and snow mix will dominate forecast. Fortunately daytime temps will ooch into the forties which is at least a small sign of spring around here.
At the moment the river is clear and in good shape. Don’t expect much in the way of dry fly fishing and insect activity until we get some substantially warmer daytime temperatures. The water is still cold but trout will start to feed a bit in the coming weeks.
This is always a good time of year for nymphing. With low flows you don’t need a heavy rig. You just need to get the flies down in softer runs and pools where trout are most likely to be holding this time of year. Don’t spend a ton of time fishing fast riffles.
Streamer fishing is also productive this time of year especially since bigger fish will be hungry after laying low for a couple months during the dead of winter. Keep in mind they will not necessarily want to move too fast or too far to get a meal. Get your streamers down and fish them slowly and erratically. Nothing like a wounded minnow to get a big rainbow interested in at least a sniff.
In Boston Red Sox news, it’s PLAY BALL! After several weeks of a lockout the players union owners have finally come to an agreement. Spring training will start immediately and while opening day was and remains delayed until April 7, the season will still be 162 games. For now the Sox have managed to keep essentially the same playoff roster they had last season. Infielders Dalbec, Arroyo, Bogaerts, and Devers are key players. In the outfield Jackie Bradley Jr. has returned to Boston and Kike Hernandez and Verdugo will anchor the deep green. Ace Chris Sale will hopefully be healthy and other starters from last year will hopefully pick up where they left off in October. Go Sox!!!
Give a call anytime if you need more Kootenai River details or information on any of our hunting or fishing adventures. And please check out our e-commerce site for all Linehan Outfitting branded swag and Orvis gear. https://linehan-outfitting.myshopify.com/
We look forward to hearing from you. 406-295-4872
Gallatin River Fishing Report by Montana Angler (December 4, 2024)
Winter fly fishing in the Big Sky and Bozeman area on the Gallatin River is as consistent as any winter fishery as any in the area. Additionally, the flows on the Gallatin River in winter are low, which means the fish are concentrated in the deeper runs, pockets, and holes. Because the Gallatin River is low you will need to cover a lot of water when you fish. If you fish a deep run or hole and catch a few fish, consider moving up to the next run or hole. With the low and clear flows on the Gallatin River right now fishing subsurface is the best way to get into fish at the moment.
The Gallatin is low and gin clear right now. The fish are starting to stack up in the slower slicks and runs with some depth and slow to medium speed currents. Nymphing has been most productive most of the day with smaller baetis patterns offering the most productivity. Egg patterns are also producing in wake of the whitefish spawn and before the brown trout spawn. On mild days we have observed some decent midge hatches that are bring a few trout to the surface so bring some small midge dries just in case.
Choose tandem nymph rigs with flies in the size 18-22 range. See the list of flies below for the best choices. With the low, clear water for success you will need to drop down in tippet sizes so you are getting a better drift. Many anglers are going to 9 foot 5X leaders with 5X fluorocarbon for their tippets. Trout are being found in the 5-6 feet deep medium fast runs during most of the day. Be sure to read one of our latest blog posts on choosing the best leader for fishing.
The Gallatin is low and clear and is fishing well for most of its length. The ice shelves are still at bay on the lower water and the river in the valley is still fishing well. Mild days are even producing some risers over the midge hatch. Nymphing is the best bet and it pays to skip a lot of water and jump from one deep run to another. Look for steady currents that aren’t too strong but still enough to bring food to trout. Slow water that is 3-6 feet deep and located just below a riffle is always a good bet. Nymphing stone fly nymphs trailed by a baetis nymph or midge larva is a good bet but egg patterns and worms are also good flies to try.
The Month Ahead:
The Gallatin River near Big Sky and Bozeman fishes well all winter. Don’t mess with the fast water as the fish will have moved into the slower and deeper runs. There are several springs near the Big Sky junction that keep the upper canyon waters ice free and this is a great place to fish in the colder months. During cold snaps the valley waters develop slush and big ice shelves. If you find icy conditions just keep driving upstream towards Big Sky. Upstream of Big Sky ice is also a problem so the 15-20 miles from Big Sky down is the best on the coldest days. Nymphing smaller patterns and eggs is the big producer.
Flies for the Gallatin River for the Next Month:
Lightening Bugs in sizes 16-18
Juju baetis in black or olive in sizes 18-20
Firebhead or hotbead SJ worms in sizes 12-16
Sawyer PTs in sizes 18-22
Zebra Midges in black, red, or olive in sizes 18-22
Pheasant Tails in sizes 16-20
Little Spankers in sizes 18-20
Pat’s Rubberlegs in sizes 12-14
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The info above will be the forecast for most of the winter. Once March hits, the Gallatin River will produce a little more variety as the baeits mayflies become active again.
Salmon River Steelhead by Jimmy’s Fly Shop (November 30, 2024)
A few nice afternoons remain for swinging soft hackle flies and presenting BWO life cycle and white miller caddis patterns on the Firehole River. Other than that, brown trout season is running supreme. Expect crowds pitching streamer and big soft hackle patterns on the Madison River, whether it be along the west entrance highway or in the Beaver Meadows between the Barns Holes and Baker’s Hole campground. The Lewis River channel between Lewis and Shoshone Lakes will become a destination for fly fishers from all over the world. Best times of day to enjoy these fish is first light before shoreline angling traffic puts them down. The brown trout runs into the Snake and Gardner Rivers are starting with peaks coming late in the month. Watch the weather, as “Old Man Winter” can take month long residence any time.
Paradise Valley Spring Creeks Fishing Report via River’s Edge Fly Shop (December 4, 2024)
The Paradise Valley Spring Creeks have been fishing well with the warm December weather. Midges and small baetis are on the menu as far as dry flies go. 4x has been fine, though if you are getting refusals don’t be afraid to switch to 5x. A light dropper remains a good adjustment for fish stubborn to come all the way up. Watch out for reds!
GO-TO FLIES:
-Holo Flash Midge Black #18
-BH Bugger Hot Bead #8
-No See Um Baetis #18
-Morgans Midge #20
-Bubbleback Emerger BWO #20
Bighorn River Fishing Report via Yellow Dog Fly Fishing (December 4, 2024)
Flow Data: Bighorn River near St. Xaiver, MT
Great weather for December. Very similar to the Bozeman area. The water is slightly off-color but clearing. Nymphing remains the best option on the Bighorn. A Black Micro Mayfly, Pearl/ Olive Jiggy Perdigon, Black Zebra Midge, or Tailwater Sowbug have worked the best. Scuds are also gaining attention. Worms are starting to play as well. San Juan Worm in wine is my all time favorite. Streamer fishing remains strong with Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and Geisha Girls.
Bozeman Fishing Reports by Fins and Feathers (December 3, 2024)
3/5
Winter is coming in hot to the Bozeman Montana area! Fingers crossed for a long snowy winter to make for a great 2025 season! That being said there will be some winter fishing opportunities on Montana’s Rivers in the Bozeman area.
The name of the game in the winter will be nymph fishing for the most part. Sticking with a fairly basic winter fly menu. San juan worms and rubber legs will be staple top fly patterns, we are dropping small dark perdigon style droppers of those tops flies. The canyon section on the Gallatin River will be a good nymphing option for the winter.
It’s possible we will see some sporadic dry fly hatches in the next month as well as the later half of the winter. Wait for the warmer overcast days before you dig your dry fly box out. The Lower Madison can be a good section for dry flies.
Upper Madison River Fishing Report by River’s Edge (December 4, 2024)
789 CFS @ Kirby. The Upper and been one of the most consistent option recently. Nymping has been the way to go. Eggs, midges, and small stonefly nymphs have all worked well. Dry fly fishing has been slow, though if you are around Raynolds, you may see some fish eating midges. Streamer fishing has been okay. Small flies have worked better!
GO-TO FLIES:
-Sparkle Minnow Smoke #6
-Slush Egg Pink #14
-BH $3 Dip Red #16
-Pat’s Rubberlegs Black #12
-Crystal Bender Baetis #18
Montana Lakes and Reservoirs Fishing Report by Yellowstone Country Fly Fishing (November 1-late December)
This report is valid November 1 through late December.
Best to avoid the lakes for the next six weeks. It’s duck season, so there are hunters out on many, and the lakes will be awfully cold for the trout to be active, anyway. Wait until the ice is fit for walking on to get back after it.
Headhunters Fly Shop Missouri River Water Flow Projection (December 2, 2024)
All good here on the Mo this early winter. Above average daily temps, along with the ubiquitous wind. Below average numbers of anglers with November in the rear view mirror. A decent fishing month, but we hope that December brings more smiles than the Turkey of a month.
December Norms
Historic Average high daily temperates come in at 35F. The lows in the cellar at 15F. So pretty cold overall. But not this month or this early winter. Nope. Not too many moderate days as you well know. Pretty windy on and off. Seems like 1 of 2 are windy, per week. The good news is that you can certainly find some lee shores to shield yourself against the wind. Reasonable conditions are possible in this month of December as well. And, we at the shop open daily @ 8am for all you last minute and fly pattern needs. Demo rods on sale too!
Below average precipitation in the books this fall and does not look all that wet in the near future.
Flows are average at 4k. Will continue at this level throughout the coming winter. So wade fisherman and boat anglers alike at taking advantage of the river travel opps. Yes you can certainly learn about the subsurface structures as most are exposed. I love to get out and just walk. Walk in the water and check things out. Boots on the ground. Buckets, dips, declines, riffles, runs, tailouts, and the like. Put it all in your memory banks for when the conditions are not as friendly.
Nymphers like the Sow and Scud combo. You could use the Zebra too. We are also in the Pink Fly Game that will run through March into April as well. No reason for split shot at the current time, but when the trout get into that deep and slow winter holding water you will find a split shot adding weight to your rig quite helpful.
Most will focus on the upper river for the nymph bite. The dam is once again popular for the wade and boat gang. Fishing to Craig is the other option. Although last winter many were fishing below the Craig section and enjoying success in the canyon.
Streamer anglers love it too. Getting out and wading around islands or stripping your bugger through a run on foot. Boat anglers will find lots of opportunities for bank angling. A nice depth for the entire river. Heavier sink tips required now, but I have found a couple streamer rods rigged for different depths can get you closer to the prize. Headhunters jammed full of streamer lines if you are Streamer-Curious this winter.
Swingers Unite. Lots of trout spey anglers in and out of the shop learning, buying, filling in tip kits, finding accessories for the spey game and getting the best local intel daily. Also Headhunters is your Trout Spey Education Center. Whether you want to get a casting lesson, a guide trip, or lodging for your weekend trip give us a shout first and we will guide you toward spey success.
Lots of Trout Spey Action out there this month as the bugs have been knocked down a couple notches for the trout food diet scale. Yessir. Leeches, Carey’s and Sparrows, buggers, and some flash will get it done. HH carries the Best Flies Under the Big Sky with the only Trout Spey fly selection on the Mighty Mo.
Dry Flies? Maybe? You will have to be out there when it happens. Mostly midges. Occasional opportunities for the dry fly guy. Localized for sure. I’d toss a cripple at them. Or an Adams. Or a Griffith’s Gnat. OR a midge.
Lodging is discounted locally too. Call 406-235-3447 to chat with Julie or Sara for lodging options in your price range. Lodging for a couple guests available in downtown Craig.
Shop open daily @ 8am. Some days a bit later if it is shitty out and the commute is in question. If it is near ZERO we may not be in the shop. Always call in advance if it is crappy and you are headed our way. The only daily shuttle biz all winter long here in Craig, rental boats, lodging, flies, hot coffee, local river info, maps, and so much more all December long…
And, don’t forget about Headhunters for your fly fishing gifts. We deliver to your doorstep!
Happy December. Let us know how to help this winter, this spring, this holiday period with gifts from the shop on the banks of the Mighty Mo. Headhunters is your source!
East Gallatin River Fishing Report by Montana Angler (December 4, 2024)
The East fishes more like a spring creek than a freestone stream in the winter months. The numerous spring creeks and springs that feed the river in the lower valley keep ice shelves at bay and this is a decent winter fishery for locals. Definitely focus on the bigger and deeper runs that will be holding all of the fish. Nymphing is usually the best option but slow stripping a streamer can sometimes produce as well.
The East Gallatin River is known this time of year for providing some good Do-It-Yourself walk and wade fishing. The hard part about the East Gallatin is getting legal access. There are several place to access the river, but sometimes parking is tough to find. If you do fish the East Gallatin be sure to know Montana’s Stream Access Law.
The East Gallatin River is also home to some great undercut banks so if you are looking to fish streamers and target some of the river’s larger trout, now is a good time work on your double-haul and fire a streamer into a dark and deep spot in hopes of finding a predacious brown trout.
Considering a fly fishing trip to the Bozeman, Montana area? Read one of more recent blog posts: Five of the Best Rivers to Fish Near Bozeman, Montana.
Flies for the East Gallatin River Right Now
Zebra Midge in black or red in sizes 18-22
Beadhead Pheasant Tails in size 14-22
Beadhead Little Green Machines in size 14-22
Beadhead Lightening Bugs in size 14-22
Beadhead King Princes in size 16-22
Sculpzilla in black, olilve, or white in sizes 6-10
Sparkle Minnow in gold/olive in size 6 and 8
Beadhead worms in size 10
Spring Creeks Fishing Report via Yellow Dog Fly Fishing (December 4, 2024)
Bright sun for a while which is not ideal for spring creek fishing. Very nice this week for December. The spring creek fishing has been good. Mostly nymphing now. Still a few midges around throughout the day. Midge nymphs and emergers will be great options when the fish are eating sub-surface or in the film. Nymphing will be pretty consistent in the event that the trout do not want to cooperate and eat bugs from the surface. If nothing else seems to be working a Wooly Bugger can be a fun option.
Yellowstone River Fishing Report by Yellow Dog Fly Fishing (December 4, 2024)
*Flow Data: Yellowstone River near Livingston, MT
Very pleasant until Sunday around Livningston. Relatively low wind too. Will make for some pleasant fishing conditions. Nymphing is the most effective method to trick fish and will remain the most effective until spring. We may see some fishing rising to midges through the winter. A small Parachute Adams will work if you do find rising fish. A Red Manhattan Midges or #10 20 Incher has been good subsurface. Worms and other stonefly nymphs have also be very effective. A black perdigon with a little red on it will be a good option. You may find some success with small streamers low and slow. I like a Sparkle Minnow or Wooly Bugger through the winter.
Yellowstone River Fishing Report via Montana Angler (December 4, 2024)
Winter is here on the Yellowstone River which means the big-time trophy trout hunters might have to wait another year before the behomoths really chase streamers again. For those anglers desiring their Yellowstone River trophy, this weekend might could still work as the forecast highs are going to possibly hit 50. That doesn’t necessarily mean the big browns will be on the prowl, but it means the comfort factor will be nice enough to get in several legit hours for fishing. The trout on the Yellowstone River have moved on from their faster and shallow holding and feeding lies and have moved into deeper and slower runs and pockets.
Float fishing isn’t as productive as wading but a short float to taxi from run to run is still a nice option and the weather this weekend will prove nice enough to be in a boat. Nymphing the slower deeper runs with stoneflies, small attractor nymphs and egg patterns will produce trout as long as you find where they are holding.
Target the top of longer and slower runs to find feeding trout first but if success doesn’t happen, go deeper and find even slower water. Plan on fishing the after lunch hours with nymphing being the staple. Rubber legs trailed by a prince is as fancy as you need to get. The most important thing is to find a nice winter holding run with steady slow current and a few feet of depth.
Best Flies for the Yellowstone River Right Now:
Beadhead Pheasant Tails in size 16-20
Beadhead Copper Johns in sizes 16-20
Rainbow warriors in sizes 16-20
Zebra Midges in sizes 16-22
Beadhead PTs in sizes 18-22
Juju beatis in flash, black, or olive in sizes 16 and 18
Current Conditions:
Streamflows are well below average for this time of year which makes it a little easier to find the trout. Look in the deeper water next to shallow water, adjacent to riffles, shelfs, and banks. Trout will still be where there is some current because the current is what is bringing them food. Most trout are going to be caught in water that is 4-6 feet deep and has some current but isn’t too fast or pushy. Trout want consistency right now…consistency of flow and food source. Trout on the Yellowstone River right now aren’t actively feed nearly as much as they were even just a few weeks ago. But if you fish during the warmer parts of the day you might get into some pretty solid action.
The Month Ahead:
The ‘Stone will be a tough option once the big ice shelves begin to form and the slush is in the river. The best winter fishing tends to be up near Gardiner and around Livingston where a few springs and spring creeks enter into the river.
Bighorn River Fishing Report by Fins and Feathers (December 3, 2024)
2/3
Water conditions are less than ideal for anglers fly fishing Montana on the tailwater section of the Bighorn River, near Ft. Smith. Expect lots of floating grass and off-color conditions as cold water temperatures have that summer grass breaking free.
Fish will still eat just fine, but keeping your rigs clean as they run through the deeper runs is essential to success. Long leaders with heavy weight will get through that floating junk quicker and allow the angler to cover some of the fast, deep water where weeds are less of an issue. Consider picking up some tungsten putty instead of split shot to help your rig stay clean.
Fishing is challenging right now, but things should start to improve in the next week or two. Dry fly and streamer fly fishing are both pretty limited at this time, too.
Yellowstone National Park Fishing Report by Yellowstone Country Fly Fishing (November 1 – Thanksgiving)
This Yellowstone Park fishing report is valid Nov 1 through Thanksgiving.
The park general season is now closed. The remaining open fisheries are the Gardner River downstream of Osprey Falls and the Madison near West Yellowstone, basically from the Barns Pools down.
Park Waters are presented in roughly their distance from us, then by water type for generalities like “small streams” and “lakes.”
Gardner River: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025 upstream from Osprey Falls. Open year-round downstream of the falls. Too cold down to the mouth of Sheepeater Canyon near the “high bridge” east of Mammoth. From the bridge to Boiling River, the pools are worthwhile on warmer afternoons. Fish stonefly nymph and egg pattern combos. The faster water is too cold. Downstream of Boiling River is good for a wider chunk of the day and in faster water, in fact the pocket water is often where the highest numbers are caught. BWO hatches will be fragmentary but can be great in the afternoons. Otherwise, fish the stonefly/egg combo in the bigger pools and the pocket water. Heavy brown trout spawning activity is underway in the riffles; do not fish them and be careful about where you walk. Regardless of where you’re fishing, beware of redds and avoid disturbing spawners.
Yellowstone River – Black Canyon: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Yellowstone River – Grand Canyon: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Yellowstone River – Headwaters and Lake to Falls: Closed until July 1, 2025.
Lamar River, Slough Creek, and Soda Butte Creek: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Firehole River: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Gibbon River: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Madison River: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025 from Madison Junction down to the Barns Pools. Open year-round from the Barns Pools to Hebgen Lake. This water is a long way from here. The classy choice is to swing streamers and large soft hackles, but most people will nymph using stoneflies, eggs, worms, and the like. Heavy brown trout spawning activity is underway in the riffles; do not fish them and be careful about where you walk. Regardless of where you’re fishing, beware of redds and avoid disturbing spawners. Unfortunately it seems likely that a lot of so-and-sos will not follow this advice. I have been informed by a senior Park Service employee who shall remain anonymous that “if every bro from Bozeman shows up and Euro-nymphs the redds, I’m closing this.” So don’t do that.
Lewis & Snake Rivers: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Park Small Streams: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Park Lakes and Ponds: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Hebgen/Quake Lake Ice Report (December 3, 2024)
Rainbow point 4-5”. Holiday barely had 2”. The main lake caped 90% Monday. Give it 3-5 days.
Georgetown Lake Update (December 3, 2024)
I was there yesterday, 4 inches off of Dentons, salmon bite was good. The pumphouse is still pretty sketchy still with maybe 3 inches. Salmon bite was good there also. Quite a few people on the other side of lake by rainbow bay
