Winter fly fishing in Montana is something I look forward to every year.
Many anglers in the Yellowstone region travel to warmer parts of the world to fly fish or put the fly rods down to pursue other hobbies in the winter months. However, winter fishing in Montana and the surrounding region can be some of the year’s best for anglers willing to bear the cold temperatures.
Fly fishing in the winter is much different than other times of the year, most notably, which fisheries to fish in the winter months. Many anglers new to winter fishing wonder where to fly fish in Montana this time of year. While many fisheries are under snow and ice, a few in Montana and the Yellowstone region can be productive and are worth a winter fly fishing trip. In this article, I go over the winter fishing options in Montana and the Yellowstone region so you can explore some new water this winter.
Winter Fly Fishing In Montana
Tailwaters
The best and most consistent winter fishing we have in Montana is on the tailwaters. A tailwater is a river that starts at and flows below a dam. The dam provides consistent water temperature and flow in these fisheries. Tailwaters tend to run a tad warmer than freestones in the winter, making them the best winter fishing options. They are also known to produce more food and hatches, so the trout consistently feed all winter long.
A few tailwaters in Montana that offer good winter fishing include the Missouri, Bighorn, and Madison rivers. If you venture into Idaho, The Henry’s and South Fork of the Snake River are also fantastic winter tailwaters. These tailwaters provide the best winter fishing opportunities in the region and are where I spend most of my time fly fishing in the winter.
Freestones
Freestone fisheries can be challenging to fish in the winter months here in Montana and the Yellowstone Region. A freestone river does not have a dam located on the river, which makes for colder water temperatures and inconsistent flows in the winter months. They also build up ice shelves throughout the river, making it difficult to access and fish safely. That being said, a few freestones are worth fishing in Montana on select winter days.
The Gallatin River and East Gallatin River offer some of the best winter freestone options in the area. While they are subject to ice shelves and cold water temperatures, they can still fish well throughout the winter. Both rivers have a few springs that run into them that keep the water open and fishable. They are best early or late winter after a warm front moves through the region.
Spring Creeks
While I have only spent a few days on the spring creeks, they are one of the best winter fishing options we have in Montana. Spring creeks originate from the ground and flow with natural and nutrient-rich spring water. They have consistent water temperatures all year, making them much warmer in the winter than other fisheries. Many trout winter in the spring creeks and feed on the mass amounts of insects spring creeks are known for.
The two famous spring creeks in the area include Depuy and Armstrong spring creeks in Paradise Valley. The fish are not easy to fool in these creeks, but they can grow big and healthy. Any day on the spring creeks is beautiful, with the surrounding views of Paradise Valley. These private creeks require a fee to fish, though they have reduced rates in the winter months. They also have warming huts on the riverbank for a quick lunch break to warm the hands.
Ice Fishing
While not fly fishing, many anglers switch to ice fishing as the lakes freeze. Ice fishing is something I have picked up in the last few years. I enjoy the change of pace and scenery compared to fly fishing, and it is easier to do when temperatures are below freezing.
I understand that many see ice fishing and look down on it for various reasons. However, I have fun tying ice jigs and fishing some of the region’s lakes in a completely different way. Many lakes in the area are known for good ice fishing. A few include Henry’s Lake, Hebgen Lake, Hyalite Reservoir, and Ennis Lake. There are also many more worth exploring on a winter’s day. Familiarize yourself with the sport, be careful on the ice, and enjoy a different kind of fishing while the rivers are frozen up.
While our fishing options may be limited during the winter, we still have opportunities to catch fish in the Yellowstone region. Each winter reminds me how much I enjoy winter fly fishing in Montana. I love the solitude, midge hatches, and change of pace winter fishing brings.
There is no need to sit inside all winter tying flies and dreaming about summer days. Cabin fever is real, and getting out for a winter’s day of fishing is the perfect cure. I invite you to explore some of the productive winter fisheries with a fly rod.
