While Montana has a lot to offer, like hiking and skiing, here in Craig, Montana, the most popular winter pastime is fishing on the Missouri River.
Fred Telleen, sales manager for Craig Trout Shop, says winter is the best time of year for fly fishing.
“Fly fishing in the winter is a little different than other seasons. Obviously it depends on the weather, but we’ve been blessed here with a lot of yoyos in the weather,” Telleen said. “Two weeks ago we had 60 degrees that day, last two weeks it was very cold, [we have] snow on the ground, but so beautiful today.”
After being a fishing guide for thirty-five years, Telleen says winter fishing is more enjoyable, more peaceful, and often easier than any other season.
Telleen said, “The difference between fishing in the winter versus the summer is that the fish are very opportunistic, which is good for the fly fisherman. They don’t have as many food options as they do in the summer. when many bugs hatch, [so] if you can find where they live and give them something, they’re more likely to eat it honestly than in the summer.”
Winter fishing can be done in a variety of ways, including ice fishing which can also be done using flies for bait.
“If you know where the spots are, if you learn those spots, you can choose to fish nymphs, you can choose to fish with streamers to simulate small fish, or you can even now that there were some clouds, there were a bunch of fish. earlier today [biting] little midges, which are very small little flies,” Telleen said. “Your options are across the board and the fishing can be really good.”
For questions about current reports or fishing conditions, you can call Fred at the Craig Trout Shop at 800 337-8528 or click here to visit the website.
