The past week has seen some solid snowfall here in southwest Montana. Mountain snowpack is piling up and many of the valleys are also now snow-filled. Even with the snow this week, there is still plenty of fishing to be had for those wanting to hear out. Many of our rivers and streams can provide decent winter fly fishing options, but some are better than others. Read some of our recent blog posts featuring: 5 Tips for Winter Fly Fishing, Winter Fly Fishing Tips that Go Beyond Just Dressing Warm, 5 Tips to Improve Your Fly Fishing with Streamers or Winter Fly Fishing Options Near Bozeman. Our tailwater fisheries of the Upper Madison and Missouri Rivers are good bets right now while our freestone rivers like the Gallatin and Yellowstone Rivers may soon have shelf ice and where you can fish safely will be limited to certain sections. If you are looking for consistently solid options for winter fly fishing near Bozeman, they are the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks because they have a consistent water temperature of 52 degrees 365 days of the year. For adventurous anglers, there are two options in Yellowstone National Park that are open year-round, but soon they will most likely be snow covered or unsafe to fish because of shelf-ice.
Southwest Montana Fishing Reports Overview
- Good
Winter is here on our local rivers near Bozeman and Big Sky and the forecast looks good for a decent weather window this weekend. 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...
Yellowstone River Fishing Report
- Fair
On the Yellowstone River near Livingston, Bozeman, Big Timber, and on down to Billings we are into the deep dive into winter. And with the cold snap forecast for the coming weekend, fishing on the Yellowstone River might be tough as shelf ice and slush and floating ice should make things difficult...
Upper Madison River Fishing Report
- Good
With the cold snap that is predicted, expect this weekend to have some pretty tough fishing. It might be a better weekend to stay inside and get in some fly tying or some trip planning for warmer times. The fishing on the Upper Madison lately has been consistent if you can stay warm. Ice and slush...
Lower Madison River Fishing Report
- Good
We are in the heart of winter right now here in southwest Montana. And with the cold snap coming the weekend looks to be better spent tying for warmer times or planning a trip rather than going on a fishing trip. But if you must go fishing right now, then prepare for some very cold weather. Fish on...
Gallatin River Fishing Report
- Good
The Gallatin is low and gin clear right now, but with the cold snap expect most of the river to get choked with self ice here very quickly. The river right around the Big Sky junction might stay clear of ice due to some springs that enter into it. But when temps get into the single digits--which is...
Montana Spring Creeks Fishing Report
- Good
The world famous spring creeks in Paradise Valley provide some of the most reliable fishing in winter near Bozeman. The two main creeks are Armstrong's and DePuy's. They are actually the same creek, but flow through two different ranches. Like the Missouri and Bighorn River, the spring creeks often...
Stillwater River Fishing Report
- Fair
Winter is here on the Stillwater River and it will be for quite some time before we get excited to fish this small freestone again. Fishing on the Stillwater River in winter is really hit or miss. In the colder weather fish are going to be very lazy and not into feeding. The trout are in the deeper...
Boulder River Fishing Report
- Fair
Current Conditions: The Boulder River near Big Timber and half way to Billings is running clear and cold right now, but is a viable winter option if the ice shelves don't get too large or dangerous. Fishing is still good but requires a stealthier approach and a decent cast to get to fish before they...
Jefferson River Fishing Report
- Fair
The Jefferson gets significant ice shelves in the winter but these still haven’t developed and the Jefferson could be a decent option for any adventuresome angler. We haven’t been over there recently but I bet it is pretty decent right now. This will be off the market as soon as some colder nights...
East Gallatin River Fishing Report
- Fair
The East Gallatin River flowing near Bozeman, Montana is in full-on winter mode. This small freestone in winter fishes more like a spring creek than a freestone stream. Even with the cold of winter, the East Gallatin River has numerous spring creeks and springs that feed the river in the lower...
Missouri River Fishing Report
- Fair
The Missouri River near Wolf Creek and Craig and north of Helena is a very good option for winter fly fishing compared to some of the other rivers in the state. Because the flow on the Missouri River is regulated and consistent coming from Holter Dam, anglers wanting to get out and find some fish in...
Ruby River Fishing Report
- Good
The Ruby River in winter can fish well. The Ruby is a unique option as it is kind of like a tailwater and kind of like a freestone. The water below the reservoir stays open all year and can produce some decent dry fly fishing over midge hatches on a mild day. Nymphing or slow stripping dark...
Montana Lakes Fishing Report
- Fair
Time to bring out the augers! Current Conditions: Not a good option until spring The Month Ahead: Not much Long Term Fishing Forecast: Ice out is from April until June depending on the elevation of the lake and is always a great time to site fish to cruising trout or strip streamers for trophies.
Small Streams Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The smaller streams around Montana are cold and difficult to fish in winter, spring creeks such as DePuy's and Armstrong's and the larger waters like the Madison and Missouri Rivers are a better option. Small mountain streams are a better mid summer option. Early spring will...