SPRING FISHING TIPS 3-2-2025
It's the beginning of March and it's sunny, 45 degrees and darn if it doesn't feel a bit like spring. This happens every year. To be sure, winter isn't over here in Montana yet but pre-runoff fishing season is upon us. Early spring can offer some great fishing opportunities. Here are five tips to help keep you safe, comfortable and more successful on the water in March and April here in Montana.
1. Dress for the party. Sure the sun feels warm and if there's no breeze you may even be very comfortable on the water. That said, it's important to remember that it's still early spring in the Rocky Mountains. Storms, squalls and cold fronts can often be a part of each day this time of year. Dress in layers and make sure you have full storm gear at the ready. By being prepared for a severe change in weather you will stay safe and dry. This time of year it's critically important and could actually save your life.
2. Wade and float carefully. Water and daytime temperatures will always be chilly in the spring. A stretch you know well may have undergone some changes over the winter. Scout diligently and thoroughly. If you intend to wade, be extra careful. If you fall in and get wet you are at a much greater risk of suffering from hypothermia due to low temperatures. And if you're floating, logs and other obstacles could have easily have fallen into the river making for very dangerous situations that can turn ugly and even tragic in seconds.
3. Fish bankers hours. Mornings can be chilly and fishing can often be a bit slower in the morning. There's no need to get on the water early. Water temperatures will have to rise a couple degrees before insects become active and that means the same for trout. This time of year expect most action from late morning until late afternoon.
4. Rig two rods. By rigging a nymphing rod and a dry fly rod, you'll be able to fish more available water. Considering mornings can be a bit tight, nymphing is best bet early. But on many rivers in Montana, midge, baetis, March browns and stoneflies will start popping in the afternoons. Having a dry fly rod rigged as well will save time and allow you to fish a rise if you happen to see one. By rigging two rods you'll simply be more prepared for what you might encounter.
5. Skip the riffles. Unless you happen to get lucky and find a bunch of bugs coming off in a riffle, look for trout along banks, around cover, in slower off-current runs, and pools. In the spring trout are still relatively lethargic and will not want to expend much energy to feed. They'll still want to generally conserve energy. This also means make sure you get nymphs down and into their face and make an accurate dry fly presentation to this end as well. Trout will not want to move very far for food.
By keeping these five tips in mind hopefully you'll have a safer, more productive day on the water during these spring opportunities.
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