ICE LOCKING UP
For those who faithfully check their weather apps, you’ve probably noticed we had an unseasonably warm spell around the holidays. But while we’re still waiting for more snow, our nightly temperatures are consistently getting below freezing and at higher elevation the conditions stay below freezing nearly round the clock.
All this means is that the ice on our favorite ice fishing lakes is locking up. On December 31, we had a big group out on Hebgen Lake who pulled fish after fish out of the ice. Over the last few weeks we’ve concentrated most of our trips on Hebgen and over the next few weeks we’ll be moving out to Ennis and Harrison lakes as well.
CHILLING ON THE MADISON
During those warmer days in December the weather was so nice that we had some guests who had previously booked ice fishing trips decide to switch over to fly fishing trips. In fact, we’ve taken out quite a few people on the Madison River in December and January. Using classic nymphing patterns, our guests landed quite a few trout and when the wind stayed down there were pretty respectable midge hatches bringing trout to the surface to feed.
With fly fish trips still in play this winter, just a heads up that these are usually half-day walk and wade trips. We often go from 11 – 3 because not only is it the warmest part of the day but also because there’s not enough daylight to do a true eight-hour full-day trip. Plus, it’s nice to fish a spot and then warm up in the car as we drive to the next spot to fish.
If you’re truly set on a float trip, we are open to possibility if the boat ramps are free of snow and the weather promises to cooperate. Remember if you do that you are committed to a day in the boat that has no heater or seat warmers.
LICENSE TO FISH
A new year means it is time to get a new Yellowstone Fishing License. Last year, for the first time in as long as anyone around these parts can remember, the park became a year-round fishery on parts of the Madison and Gardner rivers. We love taking guests to these fisheries this time of year when you don’t have to deal with the summer crowds and can experience the wonder of Yellowstone in the winter.
We have guides that specialize in both these fisheries so we’ll help you out whether you want to chase big fall runners in the Madison or want to fish a winter hatch on the thermal heated section of the Gardner. Both are good reasons to lock down that 2026 YNP license at recreation.gov.
SUBTLE SUMMER SUGGESTION
After the holidays and while people are stuck inside during the winter is the time when they start planning those warm weather summer vacations. As each day goes by, we are getting more and more calls booking trips for May through September.
We advise new and returning guests to start securing the dates they want as soon as possible because come the summer, guides get booked up quickly. We do have cancellations in the summer so it is still worth calling even if you don’t book ahead, but if you want to make sure you get the chance to fish Montana’s legendary rivers during your vacation we advise you to book early. Also, get that lodging booked now–rooms go as fast guides!
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