Summary of current conditions
We are in the classic "not quite winter," yet "not quite spring." This means you can actually get the best of both worlds right now in Montana--a little skiing and a little fishing all in the same day. In fact, we recently had one of our local Montana fly fishing guides ski in the morning, then guide a half-day walk-and-wade trip in the afternoon. Target your efforts in slower water. Water temperatures are still cold, and trout will avoid riffles and faster runs. Slower seams near pools with some depth are a great area to find trout in the early spring. Focus on late morning and afternoon when water temperatures are highest to find active trout. Come armed with some patterns that imitate insects hatching in the early spring, including midges, skwala stoneflies, and baetis mayflies. Pay close attention to weather forecasts. This is a dynamic time of year, and we can go from bluebird skies one day to late winter storms the next.
Important hatches right now
If you get lucky and the forecast sustains for daytime highs above 60 degrees for several days, you might luck out and see a few March Browns or some early Blue-Winged Olive hatches. Midge hatches can be strong in some locations in the late morning and early afternoon when warmer, mild weather settles in. Otherwise, the fishing is a nymphing game.
Late winter and early spring fly box
Fly selection is still simple--rubber legs and beadheads on freestones and the smaller beadheads, SJ wormies, and Zebra midges on spring creeks and tailwaters. If there is a midge hatch, choose your favorite midge dry or cluster pattern. Palomino midges and Griffith’s gnats are good enough. For sub-surface, try a rubber leg, egg, or worm pattern on top and a smaller midge larva or baetis nymph on bottom.
Where to find trout in late winter and early spring
Trout are going to be hanging and feeding in similar lies that they have been for months--the deeper and slower runs. A few trout may start to migrate to the slower runs along deep banks as well. Target water that is medium-slow paced and at least 4 feet deep. If a midge hatch occurs, look for slower back-eddies and slow current seams or foam lines where mats of midges can collect.
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