Snow and cold weather has hit the Missoula Valley and surrounding area. With the colder temps the fish have definitely slowed down and began the typical winter program. This means they have hunkered down in those slower stretches of holding water and are typically targeting aquatic insects on the bottom.

There is still a dry fly opportunity to be had as we are seeing midges throughout the river but those size 20s can be a pain. 

The streamer fishing remains productive, larger black, olive, and natural patterns like the Gonga, Dungeon, or Barely Legal have all proven effective. Target cutbanks and structure in those slower sections and an active brown is sure to come out and smoke your bug!

Nymphing is by far the most effective means of getting those more lethargic fish. Princes, Perdigons, and Pats are all a great choice this time of year, again targeting those stretches of holding water at the tail ends of long runs.