Winter fishing is in full force here in Southwest Montana.  The past couple of weeks have seen temperatures climb into the 30's and 40's for highs making it feel like summer compared with the deep freeze of recent weeks.  All this warm weather has excited both the trout and the fishermen.  Hot spots have been on the Gallatin River, spring creeks, the upper and lower Madison, East Gallatin, Missouri and Bighorn. 

On the freestone rivers such as the Gallatin and Madison stonefly nymphs, wooly buggers, midge nymphs and dries, as well as smaller bead head nymphs are a good bet.  On the spring creeks and tailwaters scuds, sow bugs, midge larva and sparse nymphs such as Flashback Quill Nymphs, Sawyer Pheasant Tails and Wonder Nymphs are all good  choices.

So if you want a break from skiing or just need to get out of the house, grab your rod and hit the rivers.  This is winter fishing at it's best!

Chad Olsen

February 21st