Fishing Locations

The river above Big Sky has begun to freeze over for the winter. The canyon has shelf ice but minimal slush ice. The valley is open water but the first half of the day typically has a bit of slush until the day warms. Water temps are cold and the majority of fish are stacked up in the slower deeper water and tailouts. Make sure to error on the side of heavy while nymphing, as split shot and long leaders are the name of the game this time of year. The canyon has spots that can call for a 12 foot rig. Dark colored stoneflies with a small dropper such as a zebra midge or pheasant tail have been the most consistent for us. On warmer days worms have also been picking up fish. Other good options include lil spankers, shop vacs, and three dollar dips. Although it is majorily a nymph game currently, keep an eye out for fish rising to midges in the soft water. Streamer fishing has been pretty slow, but some fish are eating smaller sized streamers in the valley. Thick wool socks, hand warmers and gloves will also make your fishing much more enjoyable. 

**Please leave spawning fish alone and don't tread on redds!!!** 

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Fly Pattern Suggestions

Dries: Griffiths Gnat: 16-20, Matts midge: 20-22, Biot Midge: 20-22

Nymphs: Delektable Hurless: 4-6, Mega Prince: 4-6, Mega Hare's Ear: 6-8, Pats Rubber Legs Tan: 6-10, Pheasant Tail: 14-18, Copper John Blue, Black: 14-18, Lightning Bug Silver, Original, Gold: 12-14-16, El Diablo: 14-16-18, Tungsten Purple Burger: 12-14, Wire Worm Pink: 4, Military Mayfly: 18-20-22, Little Green Machine: 18-20-22, Little Spanker: 12-18, Hares ear: 12-18, Zebra Midge: 18-22,

Streamers: BH Black Bugger: 2-4-6, Black Krystal Bugger: 6-8, Sex Dungeon Black, Olive,: 2, Home Invader Black, Yellow: 2, Black/Copper Zonker: 4-6, Sculpzilla Black, Olive, White: 2, Micro Zonker Grey, Brown, Black: 8, Bellyache Minnow Tan: 1-1/0, JJ Special: 6-8, Yellow/Brown: 4, Cheech Leech, Halloween: 1

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More USGS Water Data