We recently spent the day with Big Sky Outdoors doing a show on the winter fishing the Flathead offers. We didn’t get any big fish but had lots of action and pretty nice weather. It’s always good to get out on the water this time of year. Thanks again guys!

Currently we are on the downside of a recent bump in flows coming out of the Middle and North Forks. If you have been on the main stem you wouldn’t have even noticed it due to the drop in flows on the South fork that kept the main river graph flat. There might be a little color in the river but probably not enough to matter much and it should be gone in a day or two barring another rain storm.

The fishing has been pretty consistent. Lots of 10-15” fish but it’s been a challenge to find the bigger fish this winter, but I guess I’ve mostly been fishing with my kids so…. Spring is definitely here. There should be more fish migrating up from the lake and hopefully a few nice ones. Winter and spring are usually when they are the easiest to find.

The same old winter tactics are still catching fish– stonefly and SJW nymph rigs and buggers. We have been playing around with a some new wintery type nymphs but seem to fall back to the standards by the end of the day. A few fish can be found rising in the afternoon on the right day if you hold your mouth just right. Keep your eyes on the Slow banks, back eddies, slow seams, and soft insides bends. As usual there is no need for any fancy dry flies. A small adams, P-haze, or tiny wulff trailed by any midge pattern is a good bet.

The weather looks like it’s going to be in the 50’s for a few days with some moisture. The rain could muck up the river but if not, the warmish weather should make for good fishing.

New patterns are trickling into the shop so swing in if you see the lights on. We are also blowing out a bunch of Patagonia at 45% off while it lasts. Waders, boots, sun-shirts, button-ups, fleece hoodies…

 

Jason Lanier
Latest posts by Jason Lanier (see all)