Montana Fishing Reports

Cold Water, Big Opportunity–Here Are The Fly Patterns You Need Right Now

Cold Water, Big Opportunity–Here Are The Fly Patterns You Need Right Now

The following report is by Yellowstone Angler from December 9, 2025:

It finally feels like winter is here, with snow on the ground and plenty of wind. Typically this time of year we see a strong shift towards wade fishing. If you do want to float, keep a sharp eye on the forecasts on the area you want to float and be sure to check out both your put-in and take-out ramp. This isn’t the type of weather you want to be “stuck” in, especially if it is blowing a steady 20 mph with gusts up to 40-50mph. 

The browns are primarily post spawn now.  There have been midges but it has been weather dependent, (mostly wind).  Streamers are a good way to go.  Swing or strip slow as the water temp is cold!  Nymphing is likely your most productive option. With less fishing pressure a lot of the fish will be in common “fishy” spots like slow seems, inside edges, tailouts, ect. 

Give us a call for a wind report!  1-406-222-7130

Fly Patterns: 


Home Invader White #2/6
Olive Leadeye Stinger #4/6
Olive Sex Dungeon #4
Black Sex Dungeon #4
Yellow Silk Kitty #2
White Silk Kitty #2
Olive Silk Kitty#2
White Home Invader #2-4
Olive Leadeye #6
Olive Swim Coach #4
Coffee Sparkle Minnow #4-6

Tung. Bead Bugger Legs CAMO size #10
Black Jigged Perdigon #14-18
Fulling Mill Olive Perdigon #14-18
Blow Torch Black #14-18
Hare’s Ear Blow Torch #14-18
Brown (Purple) Duracell Bomb #14-16
Torch Light #14-16
PT Little Spankers #14-18

$3 Dip #18-20
Harrop’s Hanging Midge Black #18-22
Harrop’s Hanging Midge Grey #18-22
Midge Cluster #18-22
George’s Tailless Midge #18-22
Tungsten Zebra Midge Black #18-22
Tungsten Zebra Midge Copper #18-22
Tungsten Miracle Nymph #18-22

Real Time River Flows

Topics Montana Fishing Reports