A bit less windy in Craig than around Bozeman surprisingly. Fishing will be best once the sun is high and things warm up a bit. Trout spey? You bet. This game is pretty consistent all winter and there is a lot of really good swinging water on the MO. Smaller single hook streamers and soft hackles both get it dont. Nymphing should be pretty good as well with midges, sowbugs, scuds, caddis pupa, and spanish bullets(fire bead is good one for the mo). Possibly a few fish rising here and there to midges in the next few weeks so it is worth keeping a midge dry fly box with you if you head over to the Craig area.
Dec. 18 ice watch: We got a skiff of ice last night to the marina. Will most likely have walk-on ice after Christmas. Best guess for atv-safe ice is shortly after the new year.
Please keep watching for updates. We will post as soon as you can safely walk on the ice. Merry Christmas everyone!
As water temperatures drop, trout will favor holding lies that require them to expend less energy. Soft seams, drop offs, and pools offer great cover, access to food, and a break from the current. Target fish in these areas for a more productive day on the water.
Missoula transformed into a winter wonderland overnight, with more snow on the way. 3”+ expected to fall this weekend and early next week. If you’re headed out, be prepared to pick the ice out of your guides. Highs in the mid-20’s to mid-30’s over the next week. Make the most of the warmest hours of the warmest days!
Midge season is upon us. Fish are up eating midges in the warmest parts of the day as long as the bugs are there. Goober Midges, Sippers, Emerging Midges, and Midge Clusters in #18-20 are the dries to have. If you’re not one for fishing tiny dries, the indicator rig is your best bet. Girdle Bugs, TJs and San Juans in #8-12 are a staple for winter nymphers. If you’re adding a second fly to your nymph rig go for a Lightning Bug, Jig PT, Prince, Spanish Bullet or Perdigon in #14-18. Zebra Midges (now on jig hooks!) in #18-20 will round out your nymph selection. Adding 1-2 BB split shot to your rig will ensure your bugs are getting down quick, which is especially important if you are wade fishing. Small streamers will still work, but fish them slowly, or under an indicator with just slight twitches.
Call or email us for up to the minute updates at 406.542.7411 or if you are in the area stop in- WE HAVE MOVED TO OUR BRAND NEW LOCATION AT 275 N. RUSSELL STREET IN MISSOULA- for all your Orvis gear and the right bugs.
All good here on the Mo this fall, late fall, and into the winter months. We are super stoked with the fishing conditions absolutely terrific. If you are gonna head on out this December feel free to give us a call first for the up to the minute report here at the shop 406-235-3447.
Average high daily temperatures come in at 35F. The lows in the cellar at 15F. So pretty cold overall. But not this month or this fall into winter. Nope. Moderate temperatures as well as that damn wind. Pretty windy on and off. Seems like1 of 2 are windy. The good news is that you can certainly find some lee shores to shield yourself against the wind. Reasonable conditions are possible in this month fo December as well. And, we at the shop open daily @ 8am for all you last minute and fly pattern needs. Demo rods on sale too!
Not much precipitation on the books this fall and not much in the forecast either. Some possible spit of snow as we move into the back end of next week.
Flows are still low, 2900cfs, and will continue at this level throughout the coming winter. So wade fisherman and boat anglers alike at taking advantage of the river travel opps. Yes you can certainly learn about the subsurface structures as most are exposed. I love to get out and just walk. Walk in the water and check things out. Boots on the ground. Buckets, dips, declines, riffles, runs, tailouts, and the like. Put it all in your memory banks for when the conditions are not as friendly.
Nymphers like the Sow and Scud combo. You could use the Zebra too. Soon we will be in the Pink Fly Game that will run through March into April as well. No reason for split shot at the current time, but when the trout get into that deep and slow winter holding water you will find a split shot adding weight to your rig quite helpful.
Most will focus on the upper river for the nymph bite. The dam is once again popular for the wade and boat gang. Fishing to Craig is the other option. Although last winter many were fishing below the Craig section and enjoying success in the canyon.
Streamer anglers love it too. Getting out and wading around islands or stripping your bugger through a run on foot. Boat anglers will find fewer shores to cast at as the water levels are not conducive to bank tossers. No heavy sink tips required now, but I have found a couple streamer rods rigged for different depths can get you closer to the prize. Headhunters jammed full of streamer lines if you are Streamer-Curious this winter.
Swingers Unite. Lots of trout spey anglers in and out of the shop learning, buying, filling in tip kits, finding accessories for the spey game and getting the best local intel daily. Also Headhunters is your Trout Spey Education Center. Whether you want to get a casting lesson, a guide trip, or lodging for your weekend trip give us a shout first and we will guide you toward spey success.
Lots of Trout Spey Action out there this month as the bugs have been knocked down a couple notches for the trout food diet scale. Yessir. Leeches, Carey’s and Sparrows, buggers, and some flash will get it done. HH carries the Best Flies Under the Big Sky with the only Trout Spey fly section on the Mighty Mo.
Dry Flies? Maybe? You will have to out there when it happens. Still seeing some BWO’s float by in the afternoon. Occasional opportunities for the dry fly guy. Localized for sure. I’d toss a cripple at them. Or an Adams.
Lodging is discounted locally too. Call 406-235-3447 to chat with Julie or Sara for lodging options in your price range. Lodging for a couple guests available in downtown Craig.
Shop open daily @ 8am. The only daily shuttle biz all winter long here in Craig, rental boats, lodging, flies, hot coffee, local river info, maps, and so much more all December long…
And, don’t forget about Headhunters for your fly fishing gifts. We deliver to your doorstep!
Happy T-Day hangover, Cyber Monday, and we will rejoice today because the wind is temporarily gone away!
Low flows, but restrictions lifted
NYMPHS:
Rubberlegs #6-#12, SJ Worms #10-#12, Lightning Bugs #12-#16, #8-#16 Prince Nymphs, #8-#12 Jighead Stones
STREAMERS:
Lil Kim, Sculpzilla, Sex Dungeons, Skiddish Smolt, Sparkle Minnows, Crawdads
DRIES:
#8-#12 Chubby Chernobyls, #10-#12 Water Walkers, #10-#18 Purple Haze, #14-#16 Caddis
No fishing report this week. Check out the latest food specials at www.facebook.com/ft.peckmarina.
It is December 16, 2021 and I want to give ice updated at Crooked Creek. So the river has some ice on it along with snow. No one has made it out yet!!!!! So with that being said this year at Crooked Creek ice fishing is going to be extremely difficult because it’s going to be river fishing only !! There is no water in the bay, the corp has decided to let more water out again and this started 5 days ago so depths in the river are going to change along with a faster current. I feel that if you have decide to come to Crooked Creek to ice fish and are a first timer or new to the situation PLEASE RECONSIDER IT IS GOING TO BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION IF YOU DON’T HAVE ANY IDEA HOW THINGS FLOW AROUND THERE !! Please don’t think that I don’t want you there it’s all about safety and for you to go home at the end of the day or weekend so if you have a cabin rented and want to cancel give me a call at 406-366-6313 or 406-429-2999. Now for you seasoned guys and gals the marina will be open only when people are there for cabin rentals mostly on the weekends, I will not be carrying any kind of bait so bring it with you, I will have the typical stuff in the store and gas, I am sorry that’s how I have to do it this year. For info give me a call 406-429-2999 or 406-366-6313 thank you and have a Merry Christmas.
Fins and Feathers scores the Upper Madison a 2/5.
The Upper Madison has reopened to fishing but we advise anglers to stay off the river to let the fish rebound from the Hebgen Dam malfunction. There are better are options in the area to check out.
Fins & Feathers is a full-service Bozeman fly shop and Montana fly fishing outfitter. Upper Madison River fly fishing trips are available year-round with our Bozeman fly fishing guides.
Smith Lake – 4-5 Inches of Ice
Rogers Lake – 3-5 Still a couple soft spots be careful.
Lower Stillwater – 4 Inches
Blanchard – 4-5 inches (Channel was less)
Island Lake – 4-5 inches of ice
Dog Lake – 3-5 Still a few soft spots
No Ice is ever considered safe!
We have all your safety needs covered!
Picks – Spud Bar – Floating suits
With just a couple weeks til Christmas, fishing is the last thing on a lot of people’s minds. This time of year is historically a pretty quiet fishing window, especially on the Yellowstone. The holidays occupy a lot of bandwidth, the weather usually isn’t great, and the winter hatches haven’t really kicked off yet. After a busy summer and fall season, it’s kind of nice to have a period of rest too.
With a few much colder nights the Yellowstone River is beginning to get some slush and ice. If you’re wade fishing, be mindful of shore ice and be ready to deal with slush during the first half of the day or longer. Hopefully we’ll continue to get some colder temps (and maybe even some snow??!?) and this trend will continue.
The Spring Creeks are a good option for right now. Just be mindful of the wind. This has been one of the windier December’s we’ve had in a hot minute, and that’s saying something for Livingston. When it’s gusting 60+, you can do your best to find a sheltered spot or just call it and wait for calmer conditions.
We are still advising anglers to avoid the Upper Madison River, to give the fish there a much needed break after their busy season and recent dewatering. Conservation organizations are urging the same, even though Montana FWP lifted the fishing closure almost immediately. There are enough other places to go – leave the river alone.
The Lower Madison and Missouri are both good choices if you simply have to get out. The Lower is a close option for many in our area, and is almost always a solid winter performer. If you’re not up to getting blown around on the water this is the best time of year to break out the vise and start tying. Those summer boxes aren’t going to fill themselves!
With Christmas coming up fast, now is the time to get your last minute shopping done. We’ve got a store full of great items, including a preloaded fly box with some of our favorite flies from the past year. This classic Dan Bailey’s Fly Shop box ships with 2 dozen flies and is a great deal at only $69.95. Get this perfect gift for the angler in your life here: https://bit.ly/DanBaileys2021FlyBox
Don’t miss Men’s Night coming up this Thursday night (December 16th) from 3pm-9pm. As always, stop by or call the shop for the latest info and the gear you need!
BRO’s Tips of the Week:
As water temperatures drop and aquatic insects become less active, trout will favor holding lies that require them to expend less energy. Soft seams, drop offs, deep runs, and pools offer great cover, access to food, and a break from the current. Target fish in these areas for a more productive day on the water.
7 Day Outlook:
Very fishable days in the forecast for the Bitterroot. Highs expected in the high-30’s to low-40’s for the next week or so. Some much needed snow is on the way as well.
Our Recommendations for the Best Techniques and Patterns:
Midge season is upon us. Fish are up eating midges in the warmest parts of the day as long as the bugs are there. Goober Midges, Sippers, Emerging Midges, and Midge Clusters in #18-20 are the dries to have. If you’re not one for fishing tiny dries, the indicator rig is your best bet. Girdle Bugs, TJs and San Juans in #8-12 are a staple for winter nymphers. If you’re adding a second fly to your nymph rig go for a Lightning Bug, Jig PT, Prince, Spanish Bullet or Perdigon in #14-18. Zebra Midges (now on jig hooks!) in #18-20 will round out your nymph selection. Adding 1-2 BB split shot to your rig will ensure your bugs are getting down quick, which is especially important if you are wade fishing. Small streamers will still work, but fish them slowly, or under an indicator with just slight twitches.
Goings on at World Headquarters in Missoula:
The new Online Store is live! Check it out!
Call us for up to the minute updates at 406.542.7411 or if you are in the area stop in for all your Orvis gear and the right bugs. WE HAVE MOVED TO OUR BRAND NEW LOCATION AT 275 N. RUSSELL STREET IN MISSOULA