Fly Fishing Snow Report

Been pretty mild as winters in Montana go this year, even with the last couple days of snow and winter storm advisories.  What does this mean for trout fishing?  Been looking at the actual snow pack facts around the state and we may be better off than you'd think.  Here is the most recent recording:

GALLATIN RIVER BASIN-82% of average

MADISON RIVER BASIN-78% of average

UPPER YELLOWSTONE RIVER BASIN-88% of average

Now although these numbers do not read 100% the thing to remember is that we are coming off of three heavy precipitation winters which in turn means lots of water in the rivers.  Last year in particular being a huge snow pack with numbers more in the 150% of average has brought many aquifers to a very healthy level.  This is good for the plantlife, aquatic insects, and of course the trout being cold water seekers.  Also at this level in January is pretty comfortable considering the month of March delivers on average the most snow of any month of the year in Montana.  

So at our current status there is plenty of room to grow.  One thing we have noticed in some of the recent high water runoff periods is too much water is good for the fishing but not stellar for dry fly fishing.  Simple fact of trout being excellent deciders of risk vs. benefits so if there are plenty of pteronarcys (salmon fly nymphs) to eat 8' deep in the river why would you expend all the energy to race to the surface for adult bugs with pretty much the same number of calories.  On the other hand more water brings more insects which makes for healthier trout and by late summer they have packed on the weight and strength to annihilate terrestrials on the surface.

Overall the snow levels are just where we want them for an epic forecasted trout fishing season this summer.  Even if we do get the usual spring dumping of snow with the gentle early snow pack we are most likely going to experience a short and mild runoff in May.  These are the things we ponder while braving the harsh elements of winter fish and waiting patiently for the warm weather and spring baetis hatches to return.  To see all of Montana's snowpack levels click here

-Peter