Great Falls Fishing Report 12.21.17

Missouri River

It’s hard to believe fall is over. Weather wise, it hung on for a long time. Now, we’ve reached the winter solstice. The forecast is snow and ice, for who knows how long. The seasonal slowdown has arrived. Despite the coldest and snowiest weather to come, the earth is already turning back toward the sun. Even with the depths of winter approaching, we are marching toward spring.

But you don’t have to wait to fish: Trout spey swing season is on and we are fanatics . . . so you’ll see us on the water. If you want to know why, check out "Two Handing for Trout in Winter". Be sure to check out all the great gear we offer for trout spey, including the Echo TR Trout rod and the Loop Opti NXT rod.

Nymphs

The fish are beginning to tank up and over the next week or so, they will settle into their winter environs. Catching them can be really easy at times. Remember, when it is really cold, don’t remove them from the water. They can get frostbite. A catch and release tool is really key for winter fishing. Put them in the net, keep them submerged, slip the hook out and let them swim away. The fish and your fingers will thank you. What to throw? Pink scuds, pink sows, pink soft-hackles and pink midges are super effective in December and January.

Streamers

You can swing them on a trout spey or cast them on a single-hand. Focus on shelves, soft waters and gentle accelerations. The colder the weather, the deeper and slower you’ll need to fish. Montana Mini Intruders, Mini Dungeons, TFP Polar Minnows, BB Damsel Dragon Buggers, GB Buggers, OB Squirrel Leeches, RL Thin Mints and Balanced Leeches should score.

Dries

Midges are always on the menu for many Missouri River fish. Keep the dry-fly rod ready with a light leader, 5X FC tippet, and a tiny offerings, like a CDC Adult Midge. Dropping a Tufted Zebra or Pulsating Emerger off a larger Cluster Midge or Griffiths is also a solid choice. 

Fly-Tying Season and Events

We’ve got two free fly-tying classes in January, beginning the 8th and also on the 10th. These classes are three nights long on consecutive weeks, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Give us a shout if you’d like to sign up. Our next night at the Mighty Mo Brewing Company is January 16. As always, the coffee and the conversation are perpetually on and we offer a nice safe space amid the holiday bustle.

Click here to see past Great Falls reports, or here to view all northwest regional reports.