Wild Trout Outfitters Fly Fishing Report – March 1, 2017

The weather in South West Montana (BIG SKY)  this winter has been very good for the people here to play in the snow. Average snowfall as well as above average temperatures (IN FEBRUARY) have our snow pack above 100%.That is fine for this time of year, (their is still 2 months of winter to go) . Overall the snow-pack is looking good and that’s good news for us and Mr Fish as well.

By late February the worst of our  cold weather is behind us. Montana’s spring conditions usually start to settle in and the rivers fish better and better. We offer Walk Wade trips during the winter most of the time , drift boat trips  are still available. The lower Madison and parts of the upper Madison start to open up. The Yellowstone river can also come into play as winter starts to turn into spring. The down side to the float trip is once you shove off , you are committed to fish the stretch, even if you are cold. The river’s start to get shade  by 4 o’clock or sooner (depending on the float) right now so the full day float option is not for everyone.

In March and April the days are getting longer and warmer making water temps rise which brings the River to life. More hatches  and  food for Mr Fish. For the Fly Fisherman this means Nymphing for the most part . The dry fly action can be HIT or miss depending on the day. The pre spring runoff streamer bite really starts to ramp up in March and April .

The Gallatin has been fishing very well, you want to stay with your  smaller bugs  right now. Your favorite midge pattern in a variety of colors will do most of the damage. I have been using some atractor patterns in front of the midge and baetis patterns. Yellow Robbin # 16, Halo Prince Red # 14, Rainbow Warrior, RED and Pearl # 16, Copper John Yellow #16.

So if you’re here on a ski trip and you want to give your legs a break for a day. Try some winter fly fishing with Wild Trout Outfitters. We have all the equipment and the gear to make it comfortable and enjoyable.Be sure to give us a call or stop by the shop if you’re interested in booking a winter fly fishing trip with some of the top guides in Montana.