fishing reports montana

Bitterroot River Fishing Report: Late Winter Insights 2.25.26

Feb-26-26 by Angela Montana

Grizzly Hackle provides an insightful fishing report on the Bitterroot River, emphasizing successful strategies for trout fishing during winter conditions. Tips include effective flies and upcoming spring hatches.

Yellowstone River Fishing Report (Feb. 23, 2026): Cold Water, Sluggish Fish, Best Nymph & Streamer Tips + Fly List

Feb-25-26 by Angela Montana

Ice and slush have mostly melted, but the Yellowstone River is still very cold and fish are sluggish. Nymphing is the most effective approach right now; if you throw streamers, plan on a slow-motion strip or swing. Watch for spotty midge hatches depending on wind, and pay close attention to forecasts, wind, and potential ice shelves at ramps. Current flow: 1,260 CFS. Full fly pattern list included.

Missouri River Below Holter Dam Fishing Report (Feb. 23, 2026): Winter Bite, Flows & What’s Working

Feb-24-26 by Angela Montana

It’s a deep-freeze on the Missouri River below Holter Dam, but the fishing has stayed surprisingly solid for anglers willing to layer up and work for it. Here’s the latest from Yellow Dog Flyfishing, including a flow update and what’s been producing.

Tongue River Marina Ice Report (Feb. 20): Open Water Near Campers Point & Possible Hidden Weak Ice

Feb-23-26 by Angela Montana

Feb. 20 update: Open water is visible near Campers Point South (from the road) and reported off Campers Point North by the pond. Warm temps, wind, and snow cover may be creating hidden weak spots and thin-ice “bridges”—use extreme caution.

Hell Creek Marina Ice Report (Feb. 22, 2026): SxS OK to Lucky Point, 4-Wheelers to Johnson; Main Lake Open

Feb-23-26 by Angela Montana

Hell Creek Marina’s Feb. 22, 2026 ice update says a cold snap improved conditions: SxS are reported good to Lucky Point, 4-wheelers from Lucky Point to Johnson, with questionable ice beyond Johnson. The main lake is reported open—watch for changing conditions.

Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report (Feb. 23, 2026): Final Winter Update + Urgent Ice Safety Warning as Canyon Ferry Opens Up

Feb-23-26 by Angela Montana

Final winter fishing report for Helena-area reservoirs before updates resume in April. Ice is highly variable and can change fast, and Canyon Ferry’s south end is seeing expanding open water that’s undermining nearby ice—use extreme caution on any ice.

NW Montana Fishing Report (Feb. 21, 2026): Cold Snap Builds Safe Ice, Bigger Lakes Finally Open

Feb-23-26 by Angela Montana

Last week’s extreme cold and heavy snow dramatically thickened ice across NW Montana, opening up access to some larger lakes. With a warmer, wetter 7-day forecast (highs in the low 40s, lows near 30, possible rain), conditions could change fast—plan carefully and stay current on ice safety.

Montana Late-Winter Fly Fishing Report & Forecast 2026: Stable Flows, Clear Water, Active Trout on the Madison, Gallatin, Yellowstone & Missouri

Feb-21-26 by Angela Montana

Montana’s late-winter fly fishing has been unusually steady in 2026, with mild temperatures keeping conditions stable. Rising Trout Fly Fishing Outfitters reports solid clarity, consistent flows, and trout feeding more predictably than typical for this time of year—especially on subsurface presentations.

NW Montana Ice & Fishing Report (Feb. 20, 2026): Where Ice Is Still Holding, Where It’s Sketchy, and What’s Biting

Feb-20-26 by Angela Montana

From Chancy’s Fish Camp in Evergreen, MT: ice conditions are a mixed bag across NW Montana—some lakes still have decent ice, others are getting questionable, and a few are leaning into “boat season” vibes. Here’s what to watch for (including pressure ridges) and what anglers are targeting: perch, salmon through the ice, plus trolling for lake trout and rainbow trout.

Fort Peck Lake Ice Update: Main Lake Re-Capped Overnight—Marina Says It’s “Absolutely Not” Safe to Fish

Feb-20-26 by Angela Montana

After last night’s refreeze, Fort Peck Lake’s main lake has capped over again—but Fort Peck Marina says it’s “ABSOLUTELY not” safe to fish. Read the latest observations and safety guidance before you head out.

Fort Peck Ice Conditions Near the Dam (Feb. 19, 2026): Don Wilkins Checks the Main Channel and Surrounding Areas

Feb-20-26 by Angela Montana

With questions swirling from anglers, Don Wilkins went out to verify current ice conditions near the Fort Peck Dam. He checked the main channel and surrounding areas firsthand to give a clearer picture of what’s out there right now.

Fort Peck Lake Ice Report (Feb. 19, 2026): Significant Open Water, Shorelines Opening Up, Real Feel -16°

Feb-19-26 by Angela Montana

Not much has changed in the ice’s favor at Fort Peck Lake this week. Lakeridge Lodging and Bait Shop reports significant open water with pockets throughout remaining ice, with shelf ice and shorelines continuing to open up. Snow has started and the “real feel” temperature is -16°. Safety first on the ice.

Ice Safety Update: Lakeridge Lodging & Bait Shop Says Lake Is Blown Open—No Safe Ice Access

Feb-17-26 by Angela Montana

Lakeridge Lodging & Bait Shop shared an update (Feb. 17, ~6:30 p.m.) warning that the ice “did not make it” and the lake is blown open with no safe access. More updates are expected after the storm passes.

Helena Area Fishing & Ice Report (Feb. 17, 2026): Canyon Ferry, Hauser, Holter & Helena Valley Reservoir

Feb-17-26 by Angela Montana

Montana FWP’s latest Helena-area reservoir update: ice is extremely variable, with open water in spots. Here’s where anglers are finding rainbows, walleye, perch, kokanee, and burbot—plus what’s being used and where conditions are unsafe.

Canyon Ferry Ice Update (Feb. 16): Open Water From the Dam to Confederate Gulch, But Hidden Ice Still Lingers

Feb-17-26 by Angela Montana

Anglers report Canyon Ferry is in transition: part ice, part open water, and heavily wind-dependent. Reports say it’s open from the dam to roughly Confederate Gulch, with much of the north end showing open water—but a lingering ice sheet past the Silos boat launch may be hard to spot from a distance. Use caution before launching or stepping out.

NW Montana Fishing Report (Feb. 21, 2026): Cold Snap Builds Safe Ice, Bigger Lakes Finally Open

Feb-23-26 by Angela Montana

Last week’s extreme cold and heavy snow dramatically thickened ice across NW Montana, opening up access to some larger lakes. With a warmer, wetter 7-day forecast (highs in the low 40s, lows near 30, possible rain), conditions could change fast—plan carefully and stay current on ice safety.

Montana Late-Winter Fly Fishing Report & Forecast 2026: Stable Flows, Clear Water, Active Trout on the Madison, Gallatin, Yellowstone & Missouri

Feb-21-26 by Angela Montana

Montana’s late-winter fly fishing has been unusually steady in 2026, with mild temperatures keeping conditions stable. Rising Trout Fly Fishing Outfitters reports solid clarity, consistent flows, and trout feeding more predictably than typical for this time of year—especially on subsurface presentations.

NW Montana Ice & Fishing Report (Feb. 20, 2026): Where Ice Is Still Holding, Where It’s Sketchy, and What’s Biting

Feb-20-26 by Angela Montana

From Chancy’s Fish Camp in Evergreen, MT: ice conditions are a mixed bag across NW Montana—some lakes still have decent ice, others are getting questionable, and a few are leaning into “boat season” vibes. Here’s what to watch for (including pressure ridges) and what anglers are targeting: perch, salmon through the ice, plus trolling for lake trout and rainbow trout.

Fort Peck Lake Ice Update: Main Lake Re-Capped Overnight—Marina Says It’s “Absolutely Not” Safe to Fish

Feb-20-26 by Angela Montana

After last night’s refreeze, Fort Peck Lake’s main lake has capped over again—but Fort Peck Marina says it’s “ABSOLUTELY not” safe to fish. Read the latest observations and safety guidance before you head out.

Fort Peck Ice Conditions Near the Dam (Feb. 19, 2026): Don Wilkins Checks the Main Channel and Surrounding Areas

Feb-20-26 by Angela Montana

With questions swirling from anglers, Don Wilkins went out to verify current ice conditions near the Fort Peck Dam. He checked the main channel and surrounding areas firsthand to give a clearer picture of what’s out there right now.

Fort Peck Lake Ice Report (Feb. 19, 2026): Significant Open Water, Shorelines Opening Up, Real Feel -16°

Feb-19-26 by Angela Montana

Not much has changed in the ice’s favor at Fort Peck Lake this week. Lakeridge Lodging and Bait Shop reports significant open water with pockets throughout remaining ice, with shelf ice and shorelines continuing to open up. Snow has started and the “real feel” temperature is -16°. Safety first on the ice.

Flathead Area Fishing Report (Feb. 18, 2026): Ice Depths, Open-Water Hot Spots, and McGregor Tournament Update

Feb-19-26 by Angela Montana

Macman’s latest Flathead-area fishing report: Browns Lake is around 10 inches of ice and Upper Thompson about 6, but no ice is truly safe. Lake Mary Ronan and Flathead River sloughs are in good shape, colder temps should help, and McGregor Lake hosts a combo ice/open-water tournament next weekend. For open water, Yellow Bay has been productive past 200 feet—avoid Rocky Point due to gill netting.

Fort Peck Ice Update: 20–30 mph Winds Break Up Remaining Sheets, Leaving Unstable Ice and Open Water

Feb-18-26 by Angela Montana

Strong 20–30 mph winds are rapidly changing conditions on Fort Peck. Lakeridge Lodging and Bait Shop reports remaining ice sheets have broken up, leaving a mix of wide-open water and unstable, fragmented ice—use extreme caution and avoid questionable surfaces.

Missouri River Fishing Forecast (February 2026): Midges, 36°F Water Temps, and Winter Streamer/Trout Spey Opportunities in Craig, MT

Feb-18-26 by Angela Montana

February on Montana’s Missouri River is quiet, cold, and—when weather cooperates—surprisingly productive. With snowpack running roughly 80–90% of average, steady flows, and that key 36°F water-temp line dictating fish behavior, expect midges, deep-bucket nymphing, a sneaky-good winter streamer bite, and Trout Spey anglers swinging heavier tips through prime holding water. Here’s the latest Craig, MT update from Headhunters Fly Shop, plus what to watch as we inch toward spring and the 2026 guide season.

Ice Safety Update: Lakeridge Lodging & Bait Shop Says Lake Is Blown Open—No Safe Ice Access

Feb-17-26 by Angela Montana

Lakeridge Lodging & Bait Shop shared an update (Feb. 17, ~6:30 p.m.) warning that the ice “did not make it” and the lake is blown open with no safe access. More updates are expected after the storm passes.

Helena Area Fishing & Ice Report (Feb. 17, 2026): Canyon Ferry, Hauser, Holter & Helena Valley Reservoir

Feb-17-26 by Angela Montana

Montana FWP’s latest Helena-area reservoir update: ice is extremely variable, with open water in spots. Here’s where anglers are finding rainbows, walleye, perch, kokanee, and burbot—plus what’s being used and where conditions are unsafe.

Canyon Ferry Ice Update (Feb. 16): Open Water From the Dam to Confederate Gulch, But Hidden Ice Still Lingers

Feb-17-26 by Angela Montana

Anglers report Canyon Ferry is in transition: part ice, part open water, and heavily wind-dependent. Reports say it’s open from the dam to roughly Confederate Gulch, with much of the north end showing open water—but a lingering ice sheet past the Silos boat launch may be hard to spot from a distance. Use caution before launching or stepping out.

February Fishing Report: Missouri River Strategies

Feb-16-26 by Angela Montana

The Missouri River fishing is improving despite some wind, with nymphing and midges being effective. Focus on subsurface techniques and smaller streamers for success during winter outings.

Winter Fishing Challenges on the Jefferson River in Montana

Feb-16-26 by Angela Montana

Winter fishing on the Jefferson River is challenging due to low trout densities. Patience with nymphing is necessary, but better fishing opportunities usually arise in early spring.

Southwest Montana Fishing Report 2.13.26

Feb-15-26 by Angela Montana

This winter fishing report for Southwest Montana details favorable conditions with mild temperatures, calm winds, and strong midge hatches. Key locations include the Lower Madison River, Gallatin River, and Paradise Valley Spring Creeks.

NW Montana Fishing Report 2.12.26

Feb-15-26 by Angela Montana

The Murphy lake derby is canceled, but several others remain active. Ice conditions vary, with good fishing reported for perch, salmon, and pike across various lakes. Stay safe on the ice.

Don Wilkins’ Weekly Fort Peck, MT Fishing Report 2.13.26

Feb-13-26 by Angela Montana

Despite warm weather, ice conditions remain stable with 7-13 inches in various areas. Fishing activity is slowing, but decent catches persist. Caution is advised as temperatures are expected to drop soon.

Current Fishing Conditions on the Lower Clark Fork River 2.10.26

Feb-12-26 by Angela Montana

The Lower Clark Fork River is fishable, with water temperatures around 45 degrees. Nymphing and streamers are recommended. Expect cool weather and a rain-snow mix this weekend.