Week of December 18, 2025
Lightweight Fly Shop – Stevensville, Montana
Weather Outlook
Winter has fully settled into the Bitterroot Valley.
- Daytime highs: Mid-20s to mid-30s°F
- Overnight lows: Single digits to teens
- Conditions: Cold mornings, occasional snow, icy banks in shaded areas
Best Fishing Window: Late morning to early afternoon, when air and water temperatures peak.
River Conditions Overview
Cold water, slow metabolism, and technical fishing are the name of the game. Expect fewer fish, but solid rewards for anglers willing to nymph slow and deep.
River Reports
Bitterroot River
- Conditions: Low, clear winter flows with shelf ice forming along banks in colder stretches.
- Fishing: Subsurface only. Focus on deep, slow seams and tailouts where fish stack up for winter.
- Techniques: Indicator nymphing or tight-line rigs with plenty of weight. Slow everything down.
- Top Flies: Zebra Midge, Firebead Pheasant Tail, Pink Squirrel, Pat’s Rubberlegs (smaller sizes)
Blackfoot River
- Conditions: Cold, stable winter flows. Some sections may have ice along edges, but main current remains open.
- Fishing: Short feeding windows mid-day. Fish are concentrated in deep pools and soft inside bends.
- Techniques: Heavy nymph rigs fished near the bottom. Minimal movement is key.
- Top Flies: Wire Worm, Zebra Midge, Rainbow Warrior, Split Case PMD
Clark Fork River
- Conditions: One of the best winter options due to consistent flows and slightly warmer water temps.
- Fishing: Most reliable winter fishing in the area. Mid-day nymphing can be very productive.
- Techniques: Indicator rigs with long drifts through slow runs. Avoid fast water.
- Top Flies: Copper John, Firebead PT, Zebra Midge, San Juan Worm
Rock Creek
- Conditions: Cold, icy, and technical. Snow-covered access and slick rocks common.
- Fishing: Limited but possible in lower elevation stretches during warm afternoons.
- Techniques: Euro-nymphing or light indicator rigs in deeper pockets.
- Top Flies: Small Zebra Midges, Frenchies, Lightning Bugs
Hatch & Fly Chart – Winter Edition
| Food Source | Timing | Effective Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | Late morning–early afternoon | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Baetis (BWOs) | Rare, warm afternoons | Small BWO nymphs |
| Worms | All winter | San Juan Worm, Squirmy |
| Stonefly Nymphs | All winter | Pat’s Rubberlegs (small) |
Fly Box for the Week
- Zebra Midge (black, red, purple)
- Firebead Pheasant Tail
- Pink Squirrel
- San Juan Worm
- Frenchie
- Copper John
- Pat’s Rubberlegs (sizes 8–12)
Gear Picks – Lightweight Fly Shop
- Rods: 10’ 3–5wt for nymph control
- Leaders: Long, thin winter leaders
- Indicators: Oros – easy to adjust with cold hands
- Apparel: Layered insulation, fingerless gloves, cleated boots
- Sunglasses: Bajío polarized – low winter sun still glares
Winter Fishing Tips
- Watch anchor ice and shelf ice near banks
- Keep releases quick to protect cold-stressed fish
- Expect fewer eats—but better fish when it clicks
- Bring a thermos. This is not summer.
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