Bitterroot River Fishing Report (Feb 25, 2026): Late-Winter Flows, Best Nymphs, Midges & Streamer Tips
Feb 26, 2026 · Angela Montana
Bitterroot River Fishing Report (Feb 25, 2026): Late-Winter Flows, Best Nymphs, Midges & Streamer Tips
Grizzly Hackle’s boots-on-the-ground Bitterroot River report for Feb. 25, 2026: clear, stable flows; trout holding deep; nymphing still king with heavy stones, worms, and flashy perdigons. Expect afternoon midges on warmer days, selective dry-fly opportunities in flat water, and streamer eats on natural colors. Plus: spring-hatch countdown and a floaters-beware heads-up for downed trees.
Bitterroot Lake Ice Report (Feb. 25, 2026): 5–5.5 Inches Most Areas Ahead of Margo’s March Madness Derby
Feb 25, 2026 · Angela Montana
Bitterroot Lake Ice Report (Feb. 25, 2026): 5–5.5 Inches Most Areas Ahead of Margo’s March Madness Derby
Bitterroot Lake is fishable heading into Margo’s March Madness Fishing Derby (Feb. 28–March 1). As of Feb. 25, 2026: no snow on the ice, mostly clear visibility, and roughly 5–5.5 inches of ice in most areas (about 8 inches at the north-end county boat ramp). Still, watch for pressure ridges and cracks—and remember mandatory check-in at Hilltop Hitching Post before you fish.
Elk Hoof Disease Explained: How TAHD Spreads, What Researchers Know, and Why Hunters Are Worried
Feb 25, 2026 · Angela Montana
Elk Hoof Disease Explained: How TAHD Spreads, What Researchers Know, and Why Hunters Are Worried
Elk hoof disease (TAHD) is a painful, polymicrobial infection that leaves elk lame and struggling to walk. First detected in Southwest Washington in the late 1990s, it surged after 2007–2008 and has spread into parts of Oregon, Idaho, and California. With no vaccine or treatment for wild elk and many unanswered questions about transmission and vulnerability, hunters and wildlife managers across the West—especially in nearby states like Montana—are watching closely.
Yellowstone River Fishing Report (Feb. 23, 2026): Cold Water, Sluggish Fish, Best Nymph & Streamer Tips + Fly List
Feb 25, 2026 · Angela Montana
Yellowstone River Fishing Report (Feb. 23, 2026): Cold Water, Sluggish Fish, Best Nymph & Streamer Tips + Fly List
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.
Ice Thickness Report for Margo’s March Madness Derby (Feb. 22, 2026): 8 Inches at County Ramp, Thinner Near the Dam
Feb 24, 2026 · Angela Montana
Ice Thickness Report for Margo’s March Madness Derby (Feb. 22, 2026): 8 Inches at County Ramp, Thinner Near the Dam
Ice conditions for Margo’s March Madness Derby are improving but vary widely across the lake: the north end at the county ramp has about 8 inches (with 3 inches of snow), Lions Camp is around 6 inches, and the south end near the dam is roughly 4.5–5 inches. Watch for wet, slushy areas, pressure ridges, and heaved ice—and remember check-in is mandatory before fishing day one.
NW Montana Ice & Fishing Report (Feb. 20, 2026): Where Ice Is Still Holding, Where It’s Sketchy, and What’s Biting
Feb 20, 2026 · Angela Montana
NW Montana Ice & Fishing Report (Feb. 20, 2026): Where Ice Is Still Holding, Where It’s Sketchy, and What’s Biting
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.
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