Elevation Matters
If you live in the Mountain West area or have been following the news, you probably know that it has been unseasonably warm and dry in Montana, including Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley.
A bad snow year can mean low water level and high water temps in the summer which isn’t good for fishing, but the good news is that the snowpack is still in a good place thanks to constant snowfall and reduced melt at higher elevations.
As of February 3, the Upper Yellowstone basin is at 97% of normal snow water equivalent, the Gallatin basin at 86%, and the Madison at 88%, so it seems all the moisture this winter is staying above 6,000 feet–all the better for our bad backs and local roads.
We don’t suspect we’re done with shoveling yet in these parts and with the usual spring storms sure to rear up when we least expect it, the rivers should be in great shape come summertime.
If you’re a weather-watcher like us, you can keep track of the snow pack on the NWCC website: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/state-offices/montana/montana-snow-survey/current-conditions-montana
MORE YELLOWSTONE TIME
Last week, the National Park Service announced that the Firehole, Gibbon (from Norris Campground to Madison Junction), and Madison (from the Montana-Wyoming state line to Madison Junction) rivers will open on May 1. These rivers usually open for fishing on Memorial Day, so that’s almost three weeks more of fishing time in one of the most beautiful locations in the lower 48.
As winter turns to spring, it is a great time to be in the park–the crowds haven’t arrived yet, and the fish are hungry and not yet overly spooked thanks to a winter without any fishing pressure.
With its thermal-heated water, the Firehole always fishes well in May and it’s early enough in the season that you might still find a big migratory brown trout hiding in the Gibbon or Madison.
We’re already planning trips to fish these waters – book now if you want to go too!
WINTER FLY FISHING
With the warm weather (it’s supposed to hit 60 in Bozeman this week!) we have been taking advantage of the nice days to take out drift boats and walk-and-wade trips on local waters. Fish are being caught on a plethora of nymph and streamer patterns as well as on midge dries (and the odd BWO on the few cloudy days we’ve had).
Guests have been having a blast with the winter fly fishing, so if you’re around these parts and want to cast some flies let us know – our guides are on call and we’re ready to fish!
DON’T WAIT TO BOOK
It’s hard to believe but summer outdoor fun and vacations are just around the corner. With Hollywood churning out TV show after TV show that shows the natural beauty of Montana (yeah we’re looking at you Marshals and The Madison), you can bet we’re going to be busy taking folks out on the water. If you want to make sure you get the preferred guide and day you want, give us a call ASAP.
If you do give us a ring, you might just get a chance to talk to our new adventure director, Zach Brydalski. A graduate of Montana State University with a degree in biological sciences: fish and wildlife ecology and management, he has experience interning for Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, as well as guiding and working for a fly shop in Colorado. In addition to helping manage our bookings, Zach will also guide trips on local waters.
Welcome to the team Zach!
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