Hunting:

Wolf season is still open. Now is the time to get those wily predators.

Bozeman Fishing:

Gallatin: Nymphing is the way to go currently. The fishing will greatly depend upon the weather. Look for warmer days when the ice is melting for optimal bite. Stoneflies, Midges, San Juan worms, rubber legs, and caddis are leading the way.

Lower Madison:  One of the better options for winter fishing. Make sure ice on the edge ius stable and stick to the deeper holes. If a fish is produced don’t be afraid to keep working on the same hole, as well as the surrounding area. Crayfish patterns, copper johns, San Juan worms, coffee rubber legs, and lightning bugs

Upper Madison: Fishing below Hebgan is great throughout the winter. A s you start getting closer to Ennis there are ice shelves along the river, if you are going to fish be careful as the ice can be unstable. Midges, small stoneflies, and egg patters are a sure bet

Missouri: With warmer weather the fishing should be good again watch for the midge hatch as it will be coming around the corner shortly. Don’t be shocked if you even see fish rising near the dam boat launch to midges. If you are looking for big fish or even a lot of fish, this is the place to be. Nymphing is the ticket right now. Use little midge and hot bead pink ray charles.

Yellowstone: Fishing is always questionable this time of year if you are wading watch for ice. Best bet to produce fish will be nymphing or throwing streamers. Flies: Midges, Sloan’s stones, and larger golden stones

Butte Fishing:

Ice fishing was good on the Ruby this past week. Dot rocker jigs with maggots or meal worms was the best combo. We caught a few on zinc/blue Swedish pimples in size 3.

The ling were taking sucker meat about a foot off bottom at Clark Canyon this week and the trout are biting on several vertical jigs. Size 5 or 7 Rainbow Rapala Patterns fished deep (15 to 20 ft) are catching a few 4 to 6 lb Browns.

Georgetown is fishing good for Kokanee, Salmon, and Brook Trout. Glo Hooks and maggots do well with the kokanee. Mealworms, nightcrawlers, or powerbait are working well for the trout.

Clark Canyon will host the Stan Schafer Memorial fish derby this weekend on Saturday January 24 from 7am to 4pm. Entry fee is $10. Call 406-925-3217 for details.

(Report by Ryan Corwin – Bob Ward’s Sports and Outdoors)