Some of our small streams are practical to fish during the winter season which ends on March 31st. These include Warm River around the campground and Fall River above Chester to the mouth of the canyon. Small bead head nymphs, golden stonefly nymphs, midge and caddis pupa patterns can be effective, and on milder days midges and a few BWOs will bring surface action. Expect to go through snow and shore ice to get to water in most locations.
The lower river will become more important to consider as we move into March. Access will become easier, early season mayflies will begin to appear, streamer patterns will be attractive to post-spawning rainbows, big stonefly nymphs will always be candidates for excellent fishing, and midge life cycle patterns will work. Realize the further east (upstream) you venture on the river, the more likely access will be difficult because of shore ice and snow pack. Candidate locations to give the lower ‘Fork a try, you ask? Consider off Cottonwood Drive below St. Anthony, around the Fun Farm Bridge and upstream on the west side road to the Hooray Ranch, below the Vernon Bridge, around Seeley’s. At Seely’s, Nedrow’s, and other locations, please respect private property. Access to the river through properties such as these are privileges granted by generous land owners. If you see them, consider thanking them and do everything possible to show them you appreciate their generosity.
Shore ice limits access on parts of the river, but there are some places where you get on to pitch a streamer or try some midging. Try below Gem Lake Dam. On the west side you can walk the rock ledges for access. On the east side there is some access below the undeveloped boat launch near the kid’s pond. There is also some access on the west side of the river downstream of the Shelley Interstate-15 connector. Further downstream, the river can be easily reached from the IDF&G Riverton Road access below Blackfoot, from the Tilden Bridge west side, and from McTucker Ponds.
With flow out of Mackay Dam at a bit over 100 cfs, and low snow pack in the Big Lost River Valley, the Big Lost River should be on your list of streams to try during the winter season. This season ends March 31st, so there is time to plan a trip when the days warm up. Folks going to the river around Mackay report that trout are taking golden stone nymph patterns, midge pupa and adult patterns. So consider patterns for these as well as small bead head nymphs. Few BWOs are showing, but as the days lengthen and warm their life cycle patterns will be more effective.
Pott flies, especially the sandy mite, are going through a popularity rebirth around the Rocky Mountain west. In response to your requests for materials to tie the venerable sandy mite, we now offer packaged light brown (tan) horse mane, traditionally used to weave their bodies. We also have orange floss in two and four ply types, the other material needed to weave these classic Montana patterns. We recommend hooks such as, Daiichi 1560, Dai-Riki 075, Mustad 3906, and TMC 3761 for sandy mites. Don’t forget the 6/0 black thread!
Closes to fishing above Riverside after Monday, November 30th. Most of the lower river remains open year round, so we will post occaisional reports on how it is fishing.
The South Fork remains open to year round fishing, so we will have occasional reports on how it is fishing. Right now flows out of Palisades Dam have been stable for weeks at 1800 cfs. Rely on streamers, small nymphs, rubber legs patterns and dry/emerger midge patterns for best chances of success. When we hear of actions that impact South Fork fishing, we will pass them on here.
Stays open year round. We will have occasional reports on it, but through the winter streamers, midge patterns, and small bead head nymphs will be best choices for action.
Iced over on 11/13/09 and closes to fishing Monday, 11/30/09. Ice is safest along west side of the lake.
Some waters cannot be approached because of road conditions. Brown trout season is in full swing along the Madison, Gallatin, Ruby, and Beaverhead rivers.