Spring Fishing in February?
It sure has felt that way as of late, especially with this weekend’s forecasts reaching the low 50’s. If Winter midge fishing is your thing then you will want to be out there in the next couple of days. This weekend will be a great time to put away the ski’s and get the dusty old fly rod and waders out.
Upper Madison River
Warm weather has sent the fish on into a feeding frenzy which is rare to come by with winter fishing. Throughout the heat of the day many pods of fish can be seen gorging themselves on midge clusters. The nymphing game has been on point too. Flashy attractor nymphs such as lightning bugs and flashback pheasant tails have been producing good fish. As always with winter fishing, midge patterns are the ticket. Our go to has been the rojo midge as of late. While smaller Griffith’s gnat’s and Mating midges have been the go to on dries. If you are seeing heads rise yet continually can’t get an eat, try downsizing your tippet or throw on an emerger. Clute’s to Burnt Tree is still unaccessible; however, everything south of Burnt Tree should be good to go. The most consistent fishing has been up high near Reynold’s or Three Dollar Bridge. Slow moving pools are the ticket to finding rising fish as well as targeting fish subsurface.
Lower Madison River
The lower Madison has been one of the most consistent fisheries in the state as of late. Giant pods of fish can be seen regularly sipping Midge dries and emergers. Look for deep troughs near ice shelves if you are nymphing. As always with winter fishing, fish will be located in slow water. Take your time and really work the water changing your depths frequently. Trout are lazy in winter, sometimes you need to hit a fish right on the head in order to get it to eat.
Gallatin River
The Gallatin is a great option for some. Finding open water below 4 corners is a struggle; however, the canyon can fish lights out on warmer days. A variety of midge patterns have been working for us but it seems that fish have keyed in on the color red as of late. San Juan worms work as a great attractor pattern in the canyon this time of year. Combine a San Juan and a red zebra midge and you might just have the deadliest combo in Montana right now. Fish in the Gallatin Canyon tend to hibernate more than those on the lower Madison. To consistently find fish, work the slowest moving water you can find. Fish will pod up and stay in these spots all winter long.
Other Waters
Missouri- The Missouri like other rivers will be a great choice this weekend. Midge hatches will be in abundance. Zebra midges and firebead sowbugs are the ticket down below.
Hyalite Creek- The creek got a little iced over during the last cold spell. Warm weather should have it fishing again. Target the slow pocket water for success.
East Gallatin and Jefferson- Frozen
As always stop into the Tackle Shop for hot coffee and the most up to date fishing reports the area has to offer.
