Early Winter Weather in SW Montana

You never know what you are going to experience for weather when you visit Montana. September was spectacularly nice and October has been horrible. Fortunately we are supposed to see a moderation of the cold temperatures and you should expect some good fall fishing conditions.

The Beaverhead continues to flow well above its past few fall levels and fishing is fine. Some blue winged olive activity and very good small nymph fishing. For those who enjoy streamer fishing you can work wooley buggers off the banks effectively. Fish ray charles, micro may fly and pink scud nymphs with indicators.

The Big Hole flows are way up and the river in fine fishing condition now. Once again you will not find too much dry fly fishing but the nymph fishing will be good. Use larger copper johns and pheasant tail nymphs. We like size 10 and 12. You can also drop a second fly off your rig with a san juan worm or smaller may fly nymph imitation.

The Jefferson is a good fall river. Our personal preference is for streamer fishing. We like the lighter colored flies like a white zonker leading a darker wooley bugger in black, brown or olive.

The Madison is primarily nymph fishing now. The usual array of bead head patterns with weight off an indicator will produce good fishing.

Don't let the weather deter you. Get out and enjoy the few remaining nice days of the season.