Montana Troutfitters is Bozeman’s oldest fly fishing shop Since 1978

Nov 25, 2025

Winter is here and water temps have dropped into the 30's. Fish have officially moved into their winter grounds. They will be stacked up in deep slow runs. If you find one fish, you will probably find a load of them. Fish conserve energy this time of year but will feed on smaller aquatic bugs such as zebra midge, pheasant tails, hares ear, rainbow warrior, small stoneflys along with eggs and worms. If you're not picking fish up, you're probably not deep enough. Adjust your depth before switching fly's and don't be afraid to use a little split shot.

Winter tips:

  • Fish the warmest parts of the day
  • Use a wading staff for stability and to check ice thickness
  • Winter fishing can be tough on the body, dress in layers and stay warm
  • Keep your rod and reel out of the water to eliminate your guides and reel from freezing
  • Use a net to land fish, having cold wet hands is the easiest way to end a day of fishing
  • Minimize fish handling and land fish quickly.


View USGS Streamflows

Fly Pattern Suggestions

dry-fly-icon
Dries:

Chubby Chernobyl, Water Walker Salmonfly, Parachute PMD, Chubby Sally, X-Caddis

dry-fly-icon
Nymphs:

Mega Prince, Rubber Legs, Frenchie, Lil Spanker, Blowtorch, Prince Nymph

dry-fly-icon
Streamers:

dungeons, mongrel meat, Schultsys sculpin, rusty trombone, trout slider, sparkle minnow

Other River Reports

follow Troutfitters on Instagram