Is this the end of winter? Almost a week of really warm temps, an opening river and restless fisherman with the urge to wet a line give the impression that this winter is all but wrapped up. Yes it is warm right now and if you have a chance you should get out and fish before the cold comes back and you can get one more day on your old fishing license. For those of us who have spent more then one winter in Montana I can assure you that we will see some more weather before it all ends.
That being said if you have some time get out and fish this week while you can. The river has opened up nicely from Varney upstream. Yes most of the boat launches are still snowed in or inaccessible but there is open water and sunny skies. Check your launches prior to planning your float some you can not even get to yet.
If your going to go out and fish keep it basic and you will be rewarded. The standard pats with san juan trailer will get you bent. Keep both of these on 2X this time of year. If that does not do it try a midge larva or an egg pattern or any shiny and tiny variation. Look for the deepest holes you can find and concentrate your time there. The fish are stacked up in their winter holes so when you find them stay at it and you will get a bunch.
If we get an overcast day look for some midge hatches. You might even get to get a few on top. Know this winter dry fly fishing on the upper is a lot like seeing yeti so it you find it make the most of it.
Lots of cool new gear showing up at the store each day. Stop by for some coffee, the latest custom tied bugs and some new tippet. That old stuff from last summer should be replaced.
