Winter can be a great time to get out and explore Montana’s world-class trout fisheries. Most of the state’s premier rivers are open to fishing year-round and a day on the water can result in some impressive fish. An added benefit of winter angling is the chance to enjoy some solitude on the water. Chances are pretty good you’ll find a stretch of river to yourself, and the likelihood of boats and tubers bobbing through your pool is virtually nil.
With milder winter temperatures increasingly the norm, getting out with the flyrod is no longer reserved for only the most diehard of anglers. But fly fishing during the winter season does come with its challenges. The first and most obvious is cold temperatures, which in Montana can be downright wicked. You’ve got to pick your day. Keep an eye on the forecast and head to the river when the wind isn’t whipping, and the trout will be there waiting.
With all this in mind, here are a few tips for fly fishing in Montana in December, January, and February.
Think Small, Deep, and Slow
While memories of streamer fishing and slashing dry fly eats may be a not-so-distant memory, winter fishing often calls for a different approach when it comes to fishing tactics. Colder water temperatures force trout into a slower metabolic zone during the winter. Basically, their engines don’t rev quite as fast. What that means for the angler is to meet the fish where they are. That’s frequently the bottom of deep, slow runs rather the fast-moving pocket water and riffles of spring and summer.
Anglers should focus on smaller fly patterns during the winter. Nymph fishing with flies like the Little Green Machine, Zebra Midge and assorted Perdigon variants can garner success. And don’t expect the thunderous strikes of summer. Often, winter takes will be incredibly subtle. Set your hook even at the slightest tick beneath your strike indicator. Try to get your flies down deep. With the trout’s slower metabolism in play, fish are less likely to move a great distance for your fly.
If you’re keen to dry fly fish in the winter, head to area tailwaters like the Madison River, Missouri River, or Bighorn River. Tailwaters help to regulate water temperatures and generally stay a bit warmer than freestone streams through the winter. If a hatch does manifest, which is not uncommon, expect to see midges. Dry flies like a Parachute Adams with a brightly colored post, Griffith’s Gnat, or Para Midge are go-to patterns. Look for rises and focus on making a delicate presentation.
Gear Up With Good Waders
Those lightweight waders you’ve been fishing with in May and June, yeah, not so hot for winter fishing. It’s time to channel your old school self and go retro with a pair of neoprene bootfoot waders. Neoprene waders came onto the fly-fishing scene in the 1980s. They largely replaced the rubber waders of an earlier era, which must have been positively brutal to fish in during cold weather. Neoprene has the benefit of providing a substantial layer of insulation between you and the water. Deep sea divers and surfers use neoprene wetsuits to keep warm in cool waters.
The addition of a bootfoot is a critical element to the wader design. A bootfoot provides insulation, but more importantly it allows you to move your toes and feet freely. That movement keeps blood flowing and your toes from getting cold, and it’ll keep you out on the water just a little longer.
Another feature to look for in a good pair of bootfoot waders is a chest pocket with some insulation. Fishing during winter means cold, often wet hands. Having a chest pocket to slip your hands into, even for a moment, can really help prolong your day.
Unfortunately, there are only a few options for bootfoot waders produced by the major fly-fishing manufacturers. More often bootfoot models are special orders or limited runs that can be hard to find. The good news is that our brothers in the field have us covered. Duck hunters have long recognized the benefits of neoprene bootfoot waders. A decent pair can be had for a fraction of the price of breathable waders and they’ll last longer, too.
Get Electric
Battery-powered clothing options are still limited, but more and more products are coming onto the market every year. The advent of lightweight lithium-ion battery packs that can be stashed in an article of clothing means warmer days on the water.
There are good options available for heated shirts that aid in keeping your core warm, which is essential when wading in cold waters. Most electric clothing comes with variable temperature settings, so you can bump up the intensity as needed. Some devices even have a Bluetooth connection so you can make adjustments on the fly from your cellphone without having to dig deep into your layers to make an change.
Electrically heated socks are another worthwhile investment. Like heated shirts, heated socks use a thin filament integrated into the fabric to send a ribbon of warmth through the garment. Paired with bootfoot waders, your feet will be grateful.
It’s worth investing in extra battery packs in case you need them. Sometimes it’s just nice to crank those batteries to the max and enjoy the heat when you’re out there.
Get Quality Eyewear
Winter fishing is often best when skies are overcast. Midges and Blue-Winged Olive mayflies are your best friends when it comes to winter dry fly fishing and the action can be surprisingly good when the hatches do arrive. But seeing those tiny bugs on the water, and the trout beneath, can be a challenge.
Several manufacturers produce sunglasses designed for low-light conditions. Often featuring bright yellow- or amber-hued lenses, these sunglasses aid in illuminating the environment and can be a gamechanger for winter angling success. Not only do low-light sunglasses aid in spotting tiny flies on overcast days, they also help to define the river bottom when wading.
One thing to remember when selecting sunglasses for winter fishing is fog or condensation on the lenses. Cold conditions can make foggy lenses a real drag during the winter months. Look for a pair that provides adequate ventilation to reduce the chance of condensation or try antifogging sprays that help to limit the phenomenon.
Stay Safe
Winter recreation comes with some risks. Ice, snow and frigid waters are unforgiving. A slip in the drink, even when geared up for the weather is a problem and the risk of hypothermia is real. Fortunately, there are a few simple measures than can provide some piece of mind when winter angling.
First, fish with a buddy. It is often more fun to fish with a friend, but having another person with you is also an insurance policy. Remember that you’re there to look out for each other, as well as to have a good time.
Carry your cellphone and have it charged before you head to the water. If you’ve got a signal, keep an eye on the weather and boogie for home if you see a snow squall on the way. Having a phone handy is also good for the unforeseen winter mishap like a slip on the ice or a truck stuck in the snow. In a pinch, it’s always smart to be able to make a phone call to a friend or local emergency services.
Winter fly fishing in Montana is rewarding--in many ways that are counter to fly fishing in summer. The most obvious is there are a lot less people on the rivers in winter than in summer. If you are local or are planning a visit to Montana, going fly fishing in winter is more enjoyable when you take into account a few important tips. Be sure to Winter Fly Fishing Tips That Go Beyond Just Dressing Warm for more tips and hints to get more out of your winter fly fishing.