Recently, our western river basins experienced a significant and much-needed snowfall. Most areas are now sitting at or near 100% of their snow-pack averages. Several Snowtel sites across western Montana reported impressive totals, ranging from 40 to 60 inches of snowfall over just a three-day period.

While reaching average snow-pack levels is encouraging, it does not mean much for summer flows. It is always nice having some snow in the hills heading into the season but spring / summer temps and moisture will ultimately decide whether we make it through the season without Hootowl restrictions and warm water. Fingers crossed for some decent water conditions for hopper season…

In the short term, we will need to watch river flows. We have rain in the forecast and temperatures projected to approach 60°F this week, the rivers will likely get another surge of early runoff – at least that is what the NOAA prediction graphs think. Once river conditions stabilize, the spring fishing season is looking good. The increased water levels in the rivers are welcome, spring flow disruptions help stir up fish and prevent them from going stale. Higher spring flows also tend to bring out bigger fish in our freestone rivers. The down side is it can also disrupt the dry fly fishing and make for some challenging conditions. However, when things line up, and they will line up, it can be the best dry fly fishing of the year. Will you be there?

We are entering the prime spring season, with skwalla stone fly and March brown mayfly hatches around the corner. Look for dropping flows and warm afternoons to provide the best dry fly opportunities over the next month.

Jason Lanier
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