It’s been an unusually warm winter here in Missoula, though the last few weeks have finally delivered some welcome relief from the dry, mild stretch. Typically, we’d be spending this part of the season at the vise or out on the ice, but with the rivers wide open and very little shelf ice to contend with, the winter fly fishing has been surprisingly good.

Midges remain a constant presence through the winter. These tiny bugs often size #20–24 can be challenging to fish, though trout seem to spot them with no problem at all.

Nymphing remains the most dependable approach this time of year. Running an indicator rig with heavier flies like Double Bead Stones, Pat’s Rubber Legs, and TJ Hookers helps get down quickly into slower winter holding water. Tightline techniques, indicator fishing, or even swinging soft hackles can all produce, provided your flies are getting deep and drifting naturally.

Streamer fishing has also been strong. Fishing heavier patterns low and slow such as woolly-headed sculpins, Mini Dungeons, and Woolly Buggers has been effective. On bright, clear days, stripping a sparse, slightly flashy pattern along undercut banks or through pocket water can trigger aggressive takes.