It’s officially jacket weather on the water. Most hunters are in the field chasing elk and deer, leaving the rivers quiet and wide open for anglers. The Yellowstone, Madison, and Missouri are all fishing strong with streamers and nymphs. Browns are spawning, so handle them gently and avoid redds in the shallows.
Walleye fishing has slowed on Fort Peck and Canyon Ferry, but patient anglers trolling deep are still finding good fish. Trout on the reservoirs are active near shore, hitting spoons and streamers.
Mountain lakes are mostly iced over now, but lower-elevation ponds and tailwaters are worth a look. If you’re willing to brave the cold, the solitude and big fish make November one of Montana’s best-kept secrets.
