Nymphing has been the most consistent producer throughout the winter months. Larger, darker patterns like Pat’s Rubber Legs, TJ Hookers, and double bead stones have been especially effective. On bright days with clear water, downsizing to small perdigons and Pheasant Tails can make all the difference.

There’s still some opportunity on dry flies as midges continue to hatch river-wide, though fishing those tiny patterns can test your patience. Unless a strong midge hatch coincides with a warm afternoon, we generally stick with subsurface tactics.

Streamer fishing remains highly productive, and with minimal surface ice, access has been better than usual. Fish tend to be more lethargic in the cold, holding in deeper buckets and at the tailouts of runs, so focus on a low-and-slow approach. Large, dark patterns like Sculpzillas, Dungeons, and Woolly Buggers continue to be dependable choices.