Winter Mode

Bigfork, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Kalispell MT Fly Fishing Guides fishing report.

Its not quite winter yet. We were on the Flathead River a couple days ago and had good fishing. Not much dry fly action but the nymphing was productive. All the classic nymphs produced. Prince nymphs, Hare ears, p-tails, frenchies etc. Swinging streamers/buggers on a 2 hander is a bunch of fun too. The fish are transitioning from their shallow dry fly positions a few weeks ago to the winter runs. There should still be some fish in all types of water but look for more concentrations in the winter runs as colder weather continues. Big inside bends, deep slow tail outs, slow inside shelf drops, back eddie seams etc… We have a few jet boat captains with spey fishing experience if you’re looking to get out and learn the 2 hander casting basics. Double spey & Snap T casting, fly selection, cast anchor position, swing run choices etc.

While the Flathead is our local convenient fishery and main resource for winter outings, the Missouri is by far the best winter gig. Look for a couple calm days above freezing and you’re good to go. Variations of Scuds, Sow bugs, perdigons, midges are all good winter patterns there. Don’t forget to mix in a little pink and orange in the winter months. Swinging leech patterns in the winter is also super fun on a light trout spey rig as well.

November is the general rifle hunting season and the rivers are super quiet. Give us a call if you need a boat for a day on the Flathead or Missouri. We have plenty of guides around and lots of flexibility in the winter months to get you out on the river.

HAPPY FALL!