Updated: Friday, February 20, 2026
After an unusually warm winter that provided exceptional fishing opportunities across Northwest Montana, this week brought a return to more typical February cold. While the frigid temperatures have slowed river fishing activity, the forecast shows a warming trend ahead that should reopen excellent fishing opportunities. Here's the latest on conditions, what's working, and what to expect in the coming week.
This Winter's Story: Warm Weather, Great Fishing
The 2025-2026 winter has been remarkable for Montana anglers. Abnormally warm temperatures through January and early February created ideal fishing conditions on rivers that would typically be challenging this time of year. We've seen:
- Consistent dry fly fishing on midges and blue-winged olives
- Active fish feeding throughout the day, not just midday windows
- Comfortable fishing conditions with minimal ice formation
- Extended opportunities on freestone rivers that usually fish poorly in winter
This week's cold snap is a reminder that we're still in winter, but the forecast looks promising for a return to those productive conditions.
Current Weather Conditions
Northwest Montana (Kalispell/Flathead Valley):
- Current Temperature: 18°F
- This Week: Highs in the low-to-mid 20s, overnight lows in single digits
- Next Week Forecast: Warming trend! Highs returning to upper 30s-low 40s by midweek
- Conditions: Cold snap this week, but improvement ahead
Missouri River (Craig/Wolf Creek area):
- Current Temperature: 22°F
- This Week: Highs near 30°F
- Next Week: Warming to upper 30s-low 40s
- Conditions: Cold but fishable for hardy anglers
Snowpack Update & Spring Runoff Outlook
One concern with this winter's warm temperatures has been below-average snowpack accumulation in many Montana watersheds. Current snowpack levels are running 70-85% of normal in the Flathead and Blackfoot drainages.
What This Means for Spring Fishing:
- Potentially earlier runoff timing (late April vs. late May)
- Shorter, less intense runoff period
- Rivers may clear and drop to fishable levels earlier than typical years
- Lower overall flows could mean better wade fishing access
- Concern: Lower summer flows if snowpack doesn't improve
We're hoping for increased snowfall in March to build the snowpack and ensure healthy summer flows. For now, the lower snowpack could actually benefit spring anglers with an earlier transition to prime fishing conditions.
This Week's Cold: Challenges & Opportunities
This week's cold temperatures have kept most anglers off the rivers, and for good reason. When temps drop into the teens and low 20s, you'll face:
- Frozen rod guides and line icing
- Difficult casting and line management
- Lethargic fish in extremely cold water
- Safety concerns with ice formation along banks
If You Brave the Cold This Week:
For dedicated anglers willing to deal with frozen guides, your best bets are:
- Missouri River: The tailwater stays fishable even in extreme cold. Focus on midday (11 AM - 2 PM) when temps peak. Bring guide de-icer or use Pam cooking spray on your guides.
- Flathead Lake: Lake fishing avoids the line-freezing issues of rivers. Our guides are still out and catching fish (see below).
- Techniques: Nymphing is more practical than dry flies when dealing with frozen guides. Keep casts short and simple.
- Gear tips: Bring hand warmers, extra gloves, and a thermos of hot water to thaw guides periodically
Honestly? Unless you're a true cold-weather warrior, waiting until next week's warm-up will provide much better fishing conditions.
Next Week's Warm-Up: Get Ready!
The forecast shows temperatures climbing back into the upper 30s and low 40s by midweek next week. This warming trend should reopen excellent fishing opportunities:
- No more frozen guides and line icing issues
- Fish becoming more active as water temps stabilize
- Midge and BWO hatches resuming on warmer afternoons
- Comfortable fishing conditions return
If you've been waiting for good winter fishing conditions, next week looks ideal. Book now while guide availability is still open.
River Conditions & Reports
Missouri River (Below Holter Dam)
Flow: 4,200 CFS (normal for this time of year)
Water Temp: 42-44°F
Clarity: Excellent - crystal clear
Conditions: ⭐️ EXCELLENT (despite cold air temps)
Fishing Report: The Missouri remains your best river option this week. The tailwater's consistent temperatures keep fish active even when air temps are frigid. Midges are hatching during midday, and fish are feeding—you just have to deal with frozen guides.
What's Working:
- Midge patterns: #18-22 zebra midges, disco midges, mercury midges
- Small nymphs: #18-20 pheasant tails, RS2s
- Dry flies: #20-24 griffith's gnats, CDC midges (midday only, if you can keep guides clear)
- Streamers: Small sculpin patterns and woolly buggers
Techniques: Nymphing is more practical than dry flies this week. Tight-line nymphing avoids some guide-freezing issues. Fish slower water and soft seams.
Book a Trip: Missouri River guided trips
Middle Fork Flathead River
Flow: 1,850 CFS (normal winter flows)
Water Temp: 34-36°F
Clarity: Clear
Conditions: ❄️ SLOW (cold snap)
Fishing Report: The Middle Fork is fishable but challenging this week with cold air temps causing line and guide freezing. Fish are lethargic in the cold water. Wait for next week's warm-up for better conditions.
What's Working (if you go):
- Deep nymphing: Stonefly nymphs, prince nymphs in #10-14
- Eggs: Single eggs and egg sucking leeches
- Slow presentations in deeper holes
North Fork Flathead River
Flow: 2,100 CFS (normal)
Water Temp: 33-35°F
Clarity: Clear
Conditions: ❄️ SLOW (cold snap)
Fishing Report: Similar to the Middle Fork—fishable but not ideal this week. Native cutthroat and bull trout are present but very lethargic in cold water. Better opportunities next week.
South Fork Flathead River
Flow: 1,650 CFS (normal)
Water Temp: 34-36°F
Clarity: Clear
Conditions: ❄️ SLOW (cold snap)
Fishing Report: The South Fork is experiencing the same cold-weather challenges as other freestone rivers. Fish are holding in deeper pools. Wait for warmer weather for better action.
Swan River
Flow: 850 CFS (normal winter flows)
Water Temp: 34-36°F
Clarity: Clear
Conditions: ❄️ SLOW (cold snap)
Fishing Report: The Swan is clear and beautiful but fishing slowly this week due to cold temperatures. Better opportunities ahead with next week's warming trend.
Blackfoot River
Flow: 950 CFS (normal)
Water Temp: 34-36°F
Clarity: Clear
Conditions: ❄️ SLOW (cold snap)
Fishing Report: The Blackfoot is experiencing typical cold-weather slowdown. Patient anglers can find fish, but conditions will improve significantly next week.
Clark Fork River
Flow: 2,800 CFS (normal winter flows)
Water Temp: 35-37°F
Clarity: Clear
Conditions: ❄️ SLOW (cold snap)
Fishing Report: The Clark Fork is fishable but slow this week. Larger water means fish are spread out and less active in cold conditions. Better fishing ahead.
Flathead Lake
Surface Temp: 38-40°F
Conditions: ⭐️ EXCELLENT
Ice Status: Ice-free, safe for boating
Fishing Report: Flathead Lake is fishing exceptionally well right now! While river anglers are dealing with frozen guides, our lake guides are out daily putting clients on fish. The lake trout and northern pike bite is running from moderate to good, and lake fishing completely avoids the line-freezing headaches that plague rivers in this cold.
What's Working:
For lake trout, our guides are sticking with proven techniques: white tube jigs tipped with cut bait or a whole fish, fished right on the bottom. This approach is consistently producing results, with multiple trophy lakers in the 15-25 pound range landed this week. Northern pike can also show up in the mix, adding variety and excitement to the action.
Additional Productive Techniques:
- Jigging spoons in white, chartreuse, and glow patterns
- Large streamers for aggressive fish
- Trolling with downriggers for covering water
- Whitefish on small jigs, nymphs, and flies
- Target depths: 40-100 feet for lake trout, shallower zones for pike and whitefish
Why Lake Fishing is Your Best Bet This Week:
- Zero line freezing issues on the water
- Comfortable, heated boat to escape the cold
- Fish are active and feeding in cold water
- Real trophy potential—big lakers are on the hunt
- Northern pike providing bonus action
Book a Charter: Flathead Lake fishing charters
Looking Ahead: 7-Day Forecast
This Weekend (Feb 21-22): Cold continues with highs in the mid-20s. Missouri River and Flathead Lake are your best bets. Freestone rivers slow.
Early Next Week (Feb 23-25): Gradual warming begins. Temps climbing into low-to-mid 30s. Fishing conditions start improving.
Mid-Late Next Week (Feb 26-27): Warming trend peaks with highs in upper 30s-low 40s. Excellent fishing conditions return! Possible midge and BWO activity, and of course some trusty squirmy or san juan worms can be deployed. Book your trip now!
Spring Preview: With below-average snowpack, we could see earlier runoff timing this year. Stay tuned for updates as we move into March.
Book Your Trip
This week's cold snap is temporary. Next week's warming trend will bring back the excellent winter fishing we've enjoyed all season.
Best Options Right Now:
- Flathead Lake charters - Fishing great, guides putting clients on big fish!
- Missouri River guided trips - Consistent tailwater fishing
Book for Next Week:
- Flathead Valley river trips - Conditions improving!
- All rivers will fish better as temps warm
Questions about current conditions or which trip is right for you? Contact us - we're happy to provide up-to-date reports and recommendations.
Tight lines!
Riverstone Outfitters
Fishing reports are updated 3-4 times per week during the season. Check back regularly for the latest conditions, or contact us for real-time updates.