This is about the time of year many fly anglers put their rods in the case and start thinking about spring. However, for those not scared off by some cold fingers, winter can be a great time to find solitude and success on many Montana rivers and streams.

“The most popular winter fly fishing rivers are typically tailwaters – those stretches below a dam,” said Adam Strainer, who is the head of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Fisheries Division.

In tailwater sections, the water temperatures remain more consistent during the winter and a bit warmer, so fish tend to be more active. However, insect hatches are few and far between over the winter, and often the best fly fishing is done subsurface. Key patterns include midges, scuds, leeches, crawfish, stoneflies and worms. One of my favorite winter fly rigs is a crawfish pattern, trailed by a beadhead red San Juan worm.

In free-flowing rivers, water temperatures can vary with the air temperature and will fluctuate during the day. Fishing these rivers is best done during the heat of the day when fish are likely to be more active.

In these rivers, fish will hold where temperature is most consistent, which is often in deeper holes. Also, in Montana some free-flowing rivers experience a significant amount of ice damming and gorging.

“During these times, fish show a tremendous ability to move long distance to find suitable habitat,” Strainer said.

Like tailwaters, fly fishing free flowing rivers in the winter time is a sub-surface game. Good patterns for free-flowing rivers include stoneflies, worms and crawfish. Get your patterns right on the bottom. My favorite pattern for these streams in the winter is a weighted stonefly pattern.

Safety

With temperatures of both the water and the air dropping to dangerous levels, safety is critical for winter anglers. Rivers can still be swift, and wading can be treacherous when your feet and legs are cold.

Here are a few tips:

• Don’t go alone. Always have a fishing partner and make sure people know where you’re going and when you’ll be home.
• Carry a wading staff during the winter. Even if you’re not inclined to have one during the summer. In the winter, these helpful tools can prevent falls.
• Wear an extra layer under your waders.
• Don’t push it. Keep out of flowing water above your knees.