February fishing around Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley feels more like spring than winter. According to Wild Montana Anglers, as of February 8th, low elevations are mostly snow-free, rivers are running high but dropping, and mild temps have opened the door to unexpectedly good fishing. Trout are holding in slow winter water, eating bright, heavy nymphs and streamers, with the occasional tease of a dry-fly bite on warmer afternoons. It’s a strange winter, but anglers willing to adapt are being rewarded.

Here’s the full report:

It’s safe to say this has not been a normal winter in and around Glacier National Park. While snowpack remains solid in the higher elevations, mid and lower elevation areas across the Flathead Valley are surprisingly bare.

River conditions reflect that reality. The Big River, locally known as the Flathead River system is currently flowing at roughly twice its typical winter volume according to the USGS river gauge. Though it has dropped significantly from the nearly three-times-normal flows we saw just a week ago. It hasn’t been great news for skiers and snowboarders, but for anglers willing to brave winter conditions, it has opened the door to better-than-expected winter fishing on our local waterways.

Air temperatures have remained well above average, regularly pushing into the high 40s. Several longtime locals, folks who’ve watched these drainages far longer than I have—have commented that they’ve never seen winter conditions this mild in northwest Montana. The result has been spring-like fishing conditions on the Big River that drains the Crown of the Continent.

Big River

At last check, the Big River is flowing at 5,410 CFS, which is still well above seasonal averages. That said, releases from Hungry Horse Dam have dropped substantially over the past week, and downstream flows are beginning to follow suit.

Most anglers are finding success running bright, heavy nymphs under an indicator. Longer leaders in the 8–12 foot range have been key for getting flies down into the lower portion of the water column, where the majority of trout are holding.

Water temperatures remain cold, so anglers should focus on classic “winter water,” the slowest, softest holding water available. If mild weather persists and water temperatures creep upward, keep an eye out for increasing bug activity and trout rising higher in the column.

On recent guided trips, we’ve seen midges and occasional mayflies emerging during the late afternoon hours. While a consistent dry-fly bite hasn’t materialized yet, it feels close. Streamers have also been effective, with trout reacting to both slow and aggressive retrieves depending on the run.

Dries

Midges: Goober Midge, Midge Clusters, Griffith’s Gnat

Mayflies: Adams patterns in various colors

Bobbers

When selecting nymphs, think Rhianna’s “shine bright like a diamond.” Specific patterns matter less than color and weight right now.

Productive colors: yellow, purple, pink

Go heavy, or be prepared to add split shot to reach the strike zone

Flies to consider:
Pat’s Rubber Legs, Rainbow Warrior, tailwater sow bugs, worms

Hydrograph showing the flow of the Flathead River.

Small Water

Smaller waters, including the Thompson River drainage, are also experiencing above-average winter temperatures. Flows remain higher than normal but have steadily receded over the past week.

On the lower stretches, anglers have observed small bug emergences, though most fish are still being caught with subsurface presentations. Midges, stoneflies, and even terrestrial-style patterns have produced when placed correctly.

Focus on:

Seams

Foam lines

Inside corners

Tailouts

Use caution when wading. Despite spring-like air temperatures, water temps are still cold, and shaded banks and icy ledges can be hazardous.

Dries

Nothing consistent to report

Bobbers

Stoneflies: black, brown and yellow have been used. sizes #8-#12

Maylfies: in sizes #12-#16. Color hasn’t seemed to matter.

Worms: sizes #8-#14. Wine and red have been used. 

Streamers

Buggers and small streamers in olive, black, and yellow have moved fish. Sink tips in the 150–250 grain range have been effective for reaching deeper runs.

Final Thoughts

 This winter continues to feel like an outlier, and anglers willing to adapt have been rewarded with unexpected opportunities on both large rivers and small water across Montana. Conditions remain dynamic, so staying flexible and focusing on slow winter holding water has been the key to success.

Feature photo via Wild Montana Anglers

Topics
Montana Ice Fishing Reports Montana Fishing Reports

You Might Also Like